Chapter Text
Out of the woods
When you're a druid, you tend to not be great with people. With animals? Yes completely. With another human being? Think again. The creatures of the forest didn't judge druids, they'll come and go, accepting the magical human as their guardian. They would let him walk among them if he shaped shifted. Druids rarely interact unless the outsiders came to meet them.
Simon Lewis, was one of these people. He liked humans, don't get him wrong. It was them that didn't like him. Actually, if a outsiders came into the forest he would be delighted! He would be exited to have someone to talk to. That was the problem: you go to see a druid and you expect someone old, mystical, enigmatic. Lewis was young, terribly awkward and never stopped talking. He wasn't used to people asking him to shut up: animals never asked him to!
True when he was a kid he had grown up in a normal village like everyone, but the second he was found out with magic the elders decided to leave him in the nearby forest. 'So he could fully learn how to be in harmony with his inner magic'. That was bullshit because in reality they were freaked out and didn't want him in the village. At ten years old, he was in a way exiled. If it wasn't for his family leaving food each day for him he wouldn't have made it. He managed to built a cabin, to make his magic grow and settled in the forest. He went to visit his family and sometimes it was them who went to meet him.
So let's just say that Simon was always too enthusiastic when it comes to social interaction. Nevertheless, he was great a his job, and if you were patient enough you wouldn't regret asking for his help. Even though he didn't have much human company, Simon was set on living in this forest without for as long as he could. Never had he felt the desire of leaving.
Well, that was before he met him.
It was a foggy day. The perfect day to collect humid moss, and some wood samples for potions. It also meant, the perfect day to slip and dirtied your robes with mud and having them stick to you body uncomfortably. Simon groaned as he felt his shoe slip out, stuck in the mud around the pound where he was collecting the plants. He needed to refill his house with as much ingredient as he could collect, knowing that this weather was going to give a cold to the nearby villagers and he had to be ready with some medicine. Plucking out the herbs, he first heard someone. Simon's head snapped up, all ears, trying to locate the noise. He didn't have the greatest eyesight, so he had to narrowed his eyes to see who was there.
It was just at first just silhouette between the trees. A man in armor judging by the metallic 'clunk' at each one of his movements. He was ridding black horse that walked peacefully on the path not far from where the druid was. Curious, Simon took a few step forward, hoping to get a closer look. Sadly for him, at the third step the frogs he disturbed started a cacophony of croaks. Surprised by the sudden noise and movement, the druid yelped, slipped and fell head first into the pond. Which made the amphibians croak even louder.
Talk about being in harmony with nature. He cursed and pulled himself out, coughing the water that went down his throat. His clothes already dirty where now soaking wet. The few plants and herbs in his bag was now floating in the water and he lost his second shoe.
He lied there, considering the possibility of turning into a salamander and go hibernate for the next months when he saw out of the corner of his eyes, someone coming closer. The metallic boots stomped the ground and gave away the identity of the new arrival. Simon slowly looked up, propping on his elbows, and meet the gaze of the rider. All in steel, a sword hanging at his belt. The druid flinched away, intimidated, which made the knight stopped in his movements.
“Are you alright?” he asked carefully knelling by his side and offering his hand to help him back up.
The young man nodded weakly and let the other man lift him up. He let out another yelp at the ease the man got him on his feet again. He shouldn't be surprised. To wear such an armor you must be quite strong.
“I-I am fine! Surprised, I mean... Frogs, I should have expected frogs. It's a pond. They are very mocking creatures.” he rambled, blushing.
The frogs, to make it worse, seemed to cackled at the man now covered in mud. His 'savior' eyed him up and down, constating his miserable state before saying:
“Come with me. I'll bring you to the village.”
With that the man turned and started walking back to where he came from. Simon stayed on the spot, not used to people bossing him like that. He wiped his hand on his druid's clothing and made a face at the sight. True, he could go to his mother's house. She would offer him some dry clothes so he wouldn't fall ill. But the others villagers wouldn't give him a warm welcome. They were the ones who tried to doom him as a child in this forest and when he came out of it alive they became certain he made a deal with demons. He jumped when the knight called out to him.
“I won't ask again.”
Simon sent a tired glance at his wasted samples and followed the knight, his feet making squirts noises with each step. He stared at the man's back. I look like a wet sheep, what a great first impression.
The horse had been patiently waiting for his master. The stallion was completely black, strong and had a few bags. The reins wore a deep red color, just like the breast color and the saddle blanket. Simon didn't see any coat of arms and he didn't dare to ask the knight who he was. He walked towards the horse and stroke it's nose with a smile.
“Be careful, he isn't the kindest.” warned the soldier.
“No worries, I'm rather good with animals.”
Simon felt the rough energy in the animal through his palm. He closed his eyes and whispered a few words before turning towards the Knight who was looking at him though his helmet. You could only see the shine of his eyes and it was enough to send a slight chill down the druid's spine.
“What's your name?” the man asked, hi voice rather deep.
“Lewis. Simon Lewis.” he gave a big smile. “May I ask yours?
“Raphael Santiago.” the man climbed swiftly on his horse before extending his hand.
When Simon just stared at it making the rider sigh.
“We'll be faster on Nemesis.” he said showing the horse who huffed as if to confirm the fact. “Come on or I'm leaving you here.”
That made Simon react. Nope, he didn't want to walk back home to mope about his lost stuff and wet robes. He caught the hand and was pulled easily in front of Santiago. He gripped the shoulders of the knight, trying to keep his balance as the horse started walking. Simon made a face, squirming in the arms of the knight. It wasn't comfortable being between the saddle and the steel of the armor. As he tried to sit himself the man guiding the horse groaned.
“Stop moving.
“Easy for you to say! I feel like I'm going to fall at every move.
“You won't.
“How can you guide your horse and hold me at the same time? You can't see, I'm literally in front of your eyes!” the druid said, meeting the knight's gaze.
“If you stopped squirming I could actually see.” he snaked his arm around the druid's waist and pulled him closer so he'd hold still.
Simon gulped at the proximity. From there he could see the dark brown eyes and a strand of black hair of Santiago. The knight was looking straight ahead, concentrated on the task of taking them out of the woods.
“Sir. Can I see your face?” his eyes widened as he realized his mouth spoke on its own. “I-I mean I'm curious! No wait, I-I just felt like... I should shut up.” he mumbled lowering his head.
The chuckled that shook the man's chest surprised him even more but he stayed silent, not wanting to make a fool out of himself a second time, (or a third time if you considered the knight had found him with his head literally in a puddle of mud) They continued in silence for a little while before Raphael spoke up again:
“We are here.”
Simon turned to look at the entrance of the village. He felt his guts twist slightly. He didn't come often and when he did, it was always like a thief. Sneaking in his mother and sister's house at nightfall before leaving at dawn. Even then, he would meet suspicious looks or gazes full of hate. The second they passed the doors many people approached them, curious.
“My name is Raphael Santiago, know as the Sleepless Knight. I'll ask for your hospitality until the fog's clear.” He patted Simon's back, urging him to get down.
The druid tried to not make a fool out of himself as he landed. Too bad, the ground was slippery and he had to caught himself at the knight's leg nearly pulling him down with him. At least he tried. Obviously, such an attitude towards someone of a higher rank earned him a few gasps. Raphael just groaned, freed his leg of the druids hands and got down of his horse to speak face to face with the chief of the place.
Simon patted quickly the horse, whispering a little thank you for carrying him and left like he always did. Head low, not meeting the gaze of anyone.
His family house was rather small and isolated from the others but the garden filled with flowers made up for it. He slowed down, knelling down to pick a few petals. His sister, Becky, was going to complained he used them for weird potions but he would just stick out his tongue. He pocketed the flowers and gave a quick look behind. The knight Santiago was still talking with the other and Simon felt a little pang in his chest. They were probably telling him Simon's magical heritage and how corrupted he was. Like if he could cursed or corrupted anything. He didn't even have a black cat to live up to the stereotypes!
The door of the house opened and Elaine Lewis ran to his son.
“Simon! Come in quicky!” She pulled him inside, sending worried glances to the group at the entrance of the village. “What did you do again?
“What do you mean again? I don't always mean trouble!”
Becky was standing near the window and whistled when he arrived. She seemed less concerned than their mother and just gave a warm smile a her little brother.
“Well what a sight! I didn't see it right away but you really look miserable.” she frowned and tilted her head. “Is that a frog in your pocket?”
Her brother looked down and pulled out the amphibian, making his mother flinched away. She never really liked the whole, 'I live in harmony with animals, so I don't mind them' druid thing.
“Throw it outside!
“No, I must take it back at his home!” he put it back gently, making it croak softly. “I'm going to call you Touchwood.
“Simon.” his mother warned.
“What? I'm sorry, the knight found me as I was searching for plants! He offered me a ride and I just couldn't say no!
“You were hanging onto him like a princess. It was quite a sight.” his sister snickered. “Oh well! Come on, I'll get you some clean clothes.”
Simon blushed at her sister's comment but followed her without any further word.
A few minutes later, he got out of his old room with dried clothes on. He pulled up the trousers, feeling slightly uncomfortable. His robes was like an armor to him. It was also easier to shape shift in them so suddenly wearing clothes that stick to his body made him feel weird. The smell of dinner being cooked made him lift his head and he sniffed a few times, mouth watering.
“Simon! We've got a guest, come and great him.”
Obediently, the man walked to the main room of the house, stopping dead in his tracks when he saw who was standing there.Raphael Santiago was standing in the middle of the house, looking around curiously. He had taken off his breast plate, his gauntlets and his helmet. If it wasn't for the sword still hanging at the belt with the same red color than the horses stuff he wouldn't have made the connection. Simon's breath caught in his throat. I was in the arms of that man?
He was handsome. He had a slight tanned skin that wasn't common and his body was fit. The druid tried not to stare at the shape of the knight's muscles that could be seen through the shirt and let his eyes lingered on his face. To think he had been glued to him all the ride in the forest. He must be more comfortable than his armor. As Simon got closer he notice he was a little bit taller than the nobleman.
“So you're the kind to leave without a thank you.” Raphael coldly said, eyeing up the druid who blushed out of embarrassment.
“I-I didn't want to disturb! I mean... I wasn't really...” he turned to his relatives, a bit uneasy.
“Simon isn't really welcome here due to his status.
“As a druid.” Simon finished. “If you didn't know.” he mumbled.
Raphael rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.
“There is only one kind a fool to wonder through a forest in a dress. I'm not an idiot.
“There are not dresses there are robes!” he mumbled sending him a dark look.
“Don't worry, you're not bad in the role of a damsel in distress.” commented the knight with a mocking smile.
Before the druid could find another snarky response Elaine cut him.
“Dinner is ready. I insist you stay Sir Santiago, as a thank for bringing my son home.”
Simon sighed but smiled at his mother. Even though he was an adult and lived mainly in the woodland she still cling onto the idea that the family house was his home. He wished it was true. They settled around the table and Becky served the stew and even took out some ale for the guest. Naturally, Simon's was the first to broke the silence.
"You said you were known as the sleepless knight. Why such a nickname?
"I often travel at night, and I'm a light sleeper so my ennemies can't sneak up on me." Raphael shrugged.
“Why is a Knight so far away from the cities? Aren't you at our Lords services?
“Knights are due to walk across the kingdoms to offer their help to everyone. They don't just roam around cities or play the lapdogs of the nobles.
“So you're more of an adventurer?” he saw his mother out of the corner of his eye rubbing her face tiredly.
“Adventurer don't follow a code of honor and can be cruel towards the king's subject. Plus a knight is a higher person than a vulgar wanderer.
“So the codes are like your own religious book? Are you like priests who aren't allowed to have sex and kids, and aren't allowed to get drunk? Do you wear a chastity belt?”
Becky bit her lips to hold back her laugh. Raphael just put down his spoon to look at the young man. He seemed unsure if the question was serious and genuinely curious or if Simon was just mocking him. Realization hit him when he noticed Simon was still waiting for an answer, his eyes wide with curiosity and interest. Elaine cleared her throat:
“Simon dear, could you go and get some more ale for our guest.
“But we haven't finished the jug.” he stated, frowning.
“Simon." she said firmly.
“Yes mother!”
He got up and quickly went into the back of the house. His sister joined him, cackling.
“I tend to forget how awful you are with people!
“I wasn't offensive! Why is mother so upset?
“You do realize that you don't ask someone if that king of things? You just... don't talk about it? Also, it's the princesses and noblewomen who wore chastity belt.
“Aha! I knew it was a nobleman thing!” he raised a finger. “And pardon me, but I don't see why people make a fuss about it when it's natural.
“Because we are civilized Si'. Not animals. Now come on, we don't want to make them wait.”
The rest of the dinner was silent: Raphael would do small talk with Elaine. Each time Simon who perked up his mother would narrow her eyes and he would sunk back in his chair, disappointed. He quickly got bored and started paying with the liquid in his bowl. Elemental bending was the first thing you learned and he could make the water swirl and rose in the air. Becky smiled at her brother habits but nudged him when all the looks settled on him.
“Interesting.” the knight commented. “You should use your energy for a better purpose rather than playing with your food.
“I am the healer of this village and the caretaker of the forest.” Simon shrugged. “I don't waste my magic.
“A healer? Really?” drawled the knight looking unimpressed. To be fair, he didn't see Simon at his best but the druid didn't like the condescending tone he had.
He looked at the cup of ale in the warrior's hand. Should I act like an adult? He asked himself. He snapped his fingers, making the liquid splash on the nobleman's face. Absolutely not. The knight let go of his drink in surprise and sneezed out the water with a curse. Simon snickered at the scene, his fingers still moving. Becky hid her face behind her hands and Elaine just stared at the scene in horror.
“Be happy it wasn't the soup.” Simon said sticking out his tongue.
“What in the heavens?! That's how you treat your guest?” he sounded annoyed but the beginning of a smile was there. He seemed actually quite impressed by the sudden confidence and cockiness that the druid was showing. Simon smiled even more.
“I thought you would have guessed by now I can't handle social interaction for shit.”
“Simon Lewis!”
It was the knight's turn to laugh as the boy shrunk at his mother's roar, looking like a hunted deer.
“Yes mother?” he whimpered.
“Don't you 'Yes mother' me! Apologize immediately to Sir Santiago, he brought you here when he could have just let you in your swamp! He deserves respect!
“My swamp isn't that horrible your know. You don't know it like I do. Oh, and my apologizes Sir.” Raphael shook his head with a smile, showing he was not angry against him.
“If you like exploring forests you should explore the one surrounding Alicante. It's really something to see once in a lifetime.”
Simon blinked at the knight.
“Alicante?
“Yes, the capital of our kingdom.” he put down his cup and wiped away the drops from his lips. “At spring, they hung flowers on the walls of the city and they have a festival where they go in the forest to honor the return of the sun.
“You must have seen so many cities and places, Sir.” Becky said in awe. “It's must be wonderful.
“It is. You just need to will to leave and to jump into the unknown.”
Simon's eyes meet Raphael's. He tried to imagine what that man had seen, the cities, the forest, the mountains, the people. He wanted to see all of that as well.
Dinner finished and Raphael was called by the head of the village to discuss some matters. Simon walked him outside the house, only stopping at the end of the small garden.
“Thank you.” he said. “For bringing me back here. Nemesis is a really nice horse!
“You haven't seen him in a bad mood.” Raphael chuckled. “It was nice meeting you Simon.”
They shared a smile. Time seemed to slow down until the moment was spoiled by a croak. Raphael raised an eyebrow when the frog jumped out the pocket of the druid who turned a deep shade of red. The knight just rolled his eyes, a smirk on his lips before leaving Simon.
The young man turned towards the frog who was staring back at him.
“Touchwood, you're officially dishonored.”