Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

     Really, Techno thinks, I should have seen this coming. He should have been wearier when the slimy-looking merchant he’d stolen from had snapped to attention when his hood slipped and snow-white locks were revealed. He should have expected to be followed, should have righted his hood as soon as it slipped. Really there were a lot of things he should have done, but the shimmering necklace he’d gotten his hands on distracted him too much. The way it shined in the sunlight, the way the glistening emerald attached was so clear he could almost see through it, the mere thought of all the money he’d make from selling it, the chance of a full belly for the first time in a long time. So, really, it was the necklaces’ fault he got into this mess. Not his…definitely the necklace. It was the necklace that got him trapped in a cage like a bird, the necklace that had the merchant he’d stolen from weaving tales of his “ethereality” to passersby. Honestly, Techno thought that was the most idiotic thing he’d heard in a long time. Him? Ethereal? The merchant must have lost his mind. For god's sake, he still had the blasted necklace in the pocket of his tattered clothes! Just because he had white hair and pale skin that shone in the sunlight along with blood-red eyes didn’t mean he was some kind of ethereal being! He had just robbed the man! What kind of higher being would rob someone!? No matter his personal thoughts, however, he was still being paraded around in a cold cage, the bars pressing against his skin uncomfortably and creating marks.

     He had no idea how long he had been in the cage, how long he was carted around like a prized trophy, all he knew is his hair now reached past his shoulders instead of barely past his chin and had become quite matted and bothersome. One day, though, someone new came to “view” him. It shouldn’t have been anything of interest to Techno, truly, but the man who had stopped at his cage had looked too strange. He was dressed like any other peasant, however his blonde hair looked too well-kept, his black shoes were too shiny, and his pristinely shaped face lacked dirt. Techno had seen these kinds of people before, he had to, part of being on the streets your whole life made you learn who had the deepest pockets. The man had to be a noble, they were the only ones he’d seen with such a clean appearance…and their jewelry sold for a hefty price. Don’t nobles hate being among the poor? Why had he dressed as if he was a peasant? Why was he pretending to be lesser than he was? It was all very perplexing to the boy, although the newest viewer of his enraptured fate was the least of his problems. Techno prepared to tune out the world expecting the merchant to begin his usual speech but instead, the strange not-peasant interrupted him.

     “The conditions he’s being kept in are facinorous for an ‘ ethereal’ being are they not?” Techno thought not about how the man had spit out the word “ethereal” as if it were a curse, but of how he was quite right about the strangeness of the man. The way he spoke, it was too propper, too posh, there was no doubt he was a noble. However the reasons as to why the man insisted on hiding his identity– and very poorly at that –confused the young boy further. The noble continued to glare down the merchant who had held him captive for so long. His voice turned cold as ice as he continued. “I’d like to inquire as to why exactly you’ve locked this poor boy in a cage and carted him around for all to see whilst claiming he is some sort of higher power? It is quite the Mixship, and I’d ought to call you an outright Skelm for such a misdeed.” The merchant looked aghast and began to speak,

     “Why I never-”

     “Hush. I do not converse with the mud beneath my shoe,” the very obvious noble interrupted, glaring down the merchant until he backed up a few steps. The blonde man then turned towards him, kneeling– actually kneeling! –on the dirt-covered ground to be at eye level with the cage. Ocean blue met blood red, and the noble smiled at Techno. “Hello youngling,” he cooed, voice impossibly soft and vastly different to how he had talked to the merchant. “However did you find yourself in this situation?” He gently touched the metal bars of the cage and Techno got the idea he wasn't really asking, yet he took the necklace that ruined his life out of his pocket all the same, slowly holding it up for the man to see. “Oh,” began the noble with a quick and somehow awed exhale, a sly smirk growing on his face. He slowly reached part of his hand past the bars of the cage and lightly touched the still-shining emerald centerpiece.  “It seems I’ve found myself a little thief,” he said softly, his smirk having grown to a full smile before stroking his finger down the emerald once more with a pleased hum. When he spoke next, his voice was filled with a honey-warmth, “You know… I’ve always been partial to emeralds myself.” 

     Suddenly the man stood up in a sharp and quick movement that spoke of impatience, and he turned back to the merchant. “The key, give it to me.” No more honey or warmth was lacing his words. 

     “I beg your pardon?” the merchant’s shock at the demand was palpable.

     “Give me the key to the cage.” spoke the noble, and Techno almost thought the temperature had changed with how cold his voice had gotten, so far from the warmth it had been before. 

     “I don’t know who you think you are but-” 

     “Just because I have donned peasant clothes does not make me any less your superior!” Barked the blonde man, “I am your Lord and you shall do as I command!” The merchant fell silent in shock, face dropping in horror as he seemed to recognize the man. Does this mean he’s important…? thought Techno, Not just another deep pocket? But no matter Techno’s thoughts, the merchant began to ramble.

     “I apologize, My Lord! I did not recognize you. Of course, ill give you the key! Why would I not? I would have to be a fool! Here you go, Lord Philza, just as asked!” He hurriedly placed the key into the hand of the blonde noble and hurried to his cart. And suddenly that honeyed warmth was back as the noble once again made eye contact with Techno. 

     “Now let’s get you out of that cage, sweetling.” cooed the noble, his eyes soft as he slowly fit the key into the lock of the cage, a snarl appearing on his face for a brief moment, “You shan’t have ended up here in the first place but that Churl knows not what he does. He is a fool,” he murmured to himself, but Techno heard. Finally, after months, the cage that kept Techno prisoner for so long was opened and soft hands were lightly cupping his cheeks. The touch was foreign and burned. He had never been touched that softly before, only used to being kicked and slapped, spat at if he was lucky. The noble tsked as he cupped Techno’s cheeks, futilely trying to rub off some dirt and take stock of the minor cuts and bruises that the merchant had bestowed upon him. He looked angry, noting how infected the cut he had gained near his eye was, and quickly mumbled something in that same cold voice Techno had heard earlier under his breath. Soon, the warmth returned as the noble picked him up and lifted him out of the cage, placing him on his hip and running a hand through his hair, being careful of the mats. “There we go sweetling, Isn’t that better? I’m sure it feels nice to be out of that cage, hmm?” Techno looked up at his savior. He had never been treated this well before, especially by a noble. He wanted to know why, why had this noble seen him and decided he was worth saving? He was only a petty thief. 

     Having been lost in his thoughts, he didn’t realize they had been moving. This just caused more questions, why hadn’t he been jostled? It was like the blonde man was trying to be as careful as possible with him, like he was something precious. He was shocked out of his thoughts when he felt something cool and wet against his face. The man had sat him on some kind of chair and was holding a wet cloth to his cheek, gently wiping away the dirt as he hummed a soft melody under his breath. When the cloth got too dry he placed it into a water basin Techno hadn't noticed was at his feet before ringing it out and going back to cleaning him and his wounds. This continued for some time. Wipe, dunk, ring out, wipe, dunk, ring out, over and over until Techno felt cleaner than he could ever remember being. A mantra of Why? repeating in his head constantly, at this point he was utterly lost, finding no possible reason he was being treated this way. 

     The noble continued to puzzle him. He brushed out Techno’s tangled and matted hair, washed it even, gave him new clothes, and bandaged his many wounds, Techno didn’t understand why. He even returned the necklace. The one that Techno didn’t even realize was missing, the one that got him into that horrible cage in the first place, the one he didn’t even realize he wanted back until the noble slung it around his neck, much too big and hanging down to his abdomen but shining as bright as ever. The blonde noble grinned and pulled out a necklace that was almost the same aside from its design, much fancier than the one Techno had stolen but there was a big emerald in the middle all the same. 

     “There,” began the noble, running his hand lightly over the necklace that hung around Techno’s neck, just like when he was in the cage, but this time his eyes held a dark and extremely satisfied look. “Now we match.” he finished, but alongside the honey-warmth, he’d always spoken to Techno with hid a tone filled with sinister promise.

Chapter Text

     Techno quietly moved through the halls of the Craft manor, being careful not to make a sound. He knew he shouldn’t be out this late, but Phil wouldn’t let him leave his sight during the day and would certainly never approve of his current plan. It had been a year since Lord Philza– “Just call me Phil, Culver” –had saved him from silver bars and scorning glares, adopting him, and he’d learned early on not to question Phil’s intentions for the rescue. The merchant had called Techno ethereal, but in his eyes that title belonged to his savior, Phil had taken him from filth-infested streets and lifted him with steady arms into a life he could never imagine for himself. His hair had never been so smooth and brushed out, his clothes had never been so put together and soft, he has never felt this clean (had he ever even bathed before Phil?), he even had a little brother now! Wilbur, whom was also adopted. Phil had come home with him just a mere two months ago, Will was clinging to him, curly brown hair matted and chocolate brown eyes wide in slight confusion. They had bonded immediately, and it was not uncommon to see Wilbur clinging to Techno’s cotte as they walked next to Phil and smiling wide. Techno had to repay Phil, but he wouldn't allow it. Techno had to take matters into his own hands, he was going to become a knight and protect his new family! Protect the man that had saved him in the darkest moments of his life and the little brother he had grown to adore. 

     The plan was foolproof, absolutely fantastic if Techno did say so himself! He’d sneak out after Phil retired to his bedchambers and Wilbur had drifted to sleep in his and Techno’s shared room, find someone to train under and become a page. Sure, he’d have to leave home until he was knighted at twenty-one, but it was well worth it to the seven-year-old. Maybe Phil would be worried– Wilbur certainly would be –but now that he’d been taught to read and write he had left a note on his bed, it would be fine! The only problem was finding someone to train under. He’d heard word during a noble party that there was a great knight in the western region who went by the name of ‘Sir Henry’ and was looking for someone to train. This was the perfect opportunity! All Techno had to do was find him and he’d be able to get strong enough to protect his family. And prevent what happened to him from happening again, a small part of his mind whispered.

     Thus, he found himself here. Having reached the front doors of the manor dressed in the least expensive clothes he owned (Which was…difficult. Philza didn’t let him wear anything remotely “poor”), a brown hooded cloak, and readjusting the satchel at his hip. The satchel held a day or two of rations, some coin, and a dagger he had been gifted by Philza. He had lived on the streets almost his whole life, he was used to starving and didn’t need much to survive, he could make the two days of rations last two weeks, and besides, the coin he had brought along should be more than enough to get more if need be. Taking a deep breath and saying a silent goodbye to both the Craft Manor and the family he had gained there, Techno opened the door and stepped outside. 

     It was quiet outside, everything cast in the soft white light of the moon and no creature in sight. Stars were twinkling overhead, and having taken an interest in star charts a few months ago, Techno knew how to use them and find where to go. He made his way off of the manor grounds quietly, the servants' quarters were somewhere nearby and if Techno woke them they would surely alert Phil, so his steps were just as soft as when he was sneaking out of the manor. When he got far enough away to stop muting his steps he paused and looked towards the sky to locate the stars that would lead him west. He found the correct one and began running in that direction, eventually he’d find a town and would be able to locate Sir Henry, but for now he just focused on going in the right direction. 

     Soon he had to stop running, panting hard with fatigue but keeping his pace at a light jog and noticing that dusk had turned to dawn. Wilbur and Philza would be waking up soon, he had no way of knowing how far he had traveled, but Techno hoped he’d be far enough away when they did. When the sun began to rise he paused his jogging and was relieved to find that he was indeed going the right way, the golden glow of the rising sun was coming from behind him. Taking a deep breath, he grinned and began running once more with a renewed vigor. 

     Thankfully, he eventually reached a town and, lifting the hood of his cloak, was able to slip into a tavern silently. Quickly he located the bar and hopped onto one of the stools. Thankfully the tavern didn’t seem too crowded, but with the steady stream of patrons that began to flow in he doubted it would be like that for long. Great, thought Techno, I hate drunk crowds. It’s always woodness. He huffed and shifted uncomfortably on the stool. He still didn’t know how to interact in social situations, and he had gotten used to only having Phil and Wilbur to talk to. The manor’s servants were…not talkative. 

     “Good Morrow” Spoke a cheery voice from in front of Techno, and he jumped a bit in his stool, not having expected it. Before him stood a tall man in black garments, he had brown short hair and a pair of scratched-up spectacles on the bridge of his nose. He looked kind, at least.

     “…Morrow” Techno reluctantly replied. 

     “What’s a youngling like you doing in a place like this? Where are your parents?” 

     “Ah…” Techno panicked a little, trying to think of what to say. “I’ve recently turned seven, you see” he began “And I wish to become a page.” 

     “A page?” The man, whom Techno assumed was the barkeep, looked him over. “I could see it. Got anyone in mind?” 

     “Yes, actually!” Techno grinned up at the man and slightly bounced in his seat “I’ve been trying to locate Sir Henry, perchance…would you know where I can find him?” The barkeep hummed in thought before grinning back at him. 

     “Tell you what, Youngling, I just might know someone who can give you exact directions, but only if you’ll allow me to get you some bellytimber first.” Techno nodded enthusiastically at him and the barkeep gave him a thumbs up before walking towards the back, disappearing behind a hung linen. There was a pause, but then- “SKEPPY!” yelled the barkeep, “STOP NAPPING AND GET BACK TO COOKING YOU MUFFINHEAD!” suddenly there was the sound of things falling over, a bang, a yelp, and hurried muffled apologies. Techno blinked, pitchkettled, and decided it’d be best to ignore it. After waiting for a while, the barkeep returned with a plate of steaming food and placed it before Techno. “There you are,” he said. 

     “Grammercy” Techno replied, and the barkeep just smiled, slung a cloth over his shoulder, and attended to the other patrons. When Techno finished eating he patiently waited for the barkeep to return and thought about what to do next. The barkeep had said that he knew someone who could give him directions to Sir Henry, and he desperately needed that. For now he’d just been heading west and hoping for the best, but he knew that could only get him so far. He needed exact directions to find the man. A tap on the shoulder broke Techno from his thoughts, and he jumped in his seat. He turned to find whomever had tapped him and was met with the sight of a black-haired man who smelt strongly of freshly cooked food. “...Can I.. help you, sir?” asked Techno.

     “I heard you were looking for directions to Henry’s place? Want to become his page?” asked the man, and at Techno’s affirming nod he continued, “My name is Skeppy, youngling. I’m the cook here, and I just so happen to be a friend of Sir Henry.” The man, Skeppy, He must have been the one the barkeep was yelling at earlier , smiled down at Techno. “Looks like I can assist you with your little quest.” 

     “You know the way!?” exclaimed Techno, hopping out of the stool he had been previously sitting in and bouncing on his heels. 

     “Sure can. I’d take you myself, god knows I’ve been meaning to see Henry for a while, but Bad needs me here at the tavern so I hope you can settle for a poorly drawn map.” Skeppy laughed awkwardly “I’m….not much of a painter. Sorry in advance about that, Youngling.”

     “That’s okay!” said Techno, “I’m sure I’ll be able to read it! Anything will help, sir!” 

     Soon, Skeppy had drawn a (very poor) map for the young boy, and Techno was on his way. He waved farewell to the barkeep (Bad, he had learned) and Skeppy excitedly as he ran back into the streets of the town and oriented himself. According to Skeppy, it would be a week or so by foot, but it’s nothing Techno couldn't handle for his family. 

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     Miles away, while Techno had just reached a town bathed in the morning light, a young boy woke up to his brother missing in the bed next to his. Wilbur sat up, was Techno up and about already? That was… strange. Techno knew Wilbur liked keeping him in sight, liked knowing his rescue wasn’t all a dream and he wasn’t alone anymore. Slowly, the young boy got out of bed and walked to the neatly made covers on his brothers' bed. There, innocently, lay a strip of parchment with writing on it. Wilbur huffed, wishing he could read more than anything at that moment, but Phil had only just started him on the basics. Oh well, thought Wilbur, Might as well go bring it to Phil. He quickly got dressed and made his way downstairs to find Phil already eating what the servants had made that morning. 

     “Good Morrow, Lambkin. Where’s your brother? You two are not usually far from each other” 

     “Good Morrow, Father!” Began Wilbur, “I was actually just about to ask you if you knew where Techno was. He was gone when I woke up!” 

     “.....What?” 

     “Yeah! I thought maybe he was down here, but he isn’t! His bed didn’t even look slept in! But, I did find this..” Wilbur held the parchment up to Phil, “I thought you could read it since I can’t.” Phil took the parchment from Wilbur’s small hand and handled it as if it were made of the most delicate silk. He read over it, and his shocked expression quickly turned into one of anger. 

     “Wilbur. I am going to have a servant pack some of your things. Your nyce older brother has decided he’s going to become a Knight.” Phil’s expression was dark, and the hand that was not clutching the now-crumpled parchment had moved up to the emerald necklace around his neck. An emerald necklace that both Wilbur and Techno had matching jewelry too.

Chapter Text

     Sir Henry, Techno had found, was a rather nice man. When Techno had first arrived he had been accepted in with little fanfare and given the role of page. In fact…there had been another young boy, Dream, who arrived a few days after him. Instead of Sir Henry turning him down like Techno had expected, Henry had also taken him in, and he and Techno had developed a kind of friendly rivalry. Who was the better page, and all that. Techno had heard word, in the few short weeks he had been with Henry, that an eastern noble was frantically searching for his missing son. It was hard, knowing Philza was missing him, but he reasoned that this was all for the greater good of his family. Besides, it’s not like he would find this place. Since he worked for the king, Sir Henry was gifted a decently far out several acres of farmland to live on, and Techno was grateful he had gotten that (albeit poorly drawn) map from Skeppy. There was also the fact that the note he had left for his family had not mentioned which knight he was planning on training under…it would be fine…they’d learn to accept it anon. Mayhap. He hoped. 

     Techno was broken out of his thoughts by something slamming into his left side and nearly knocking him over. Quickly, he balanced himself and looked at the now laughing Dream, bent over and clutching his stomach as he let out wheezy keaks. Eventually, the young boy was able to compose himself and grin at Techno. 

     “Next time, cotton tail, pay attention to your surroundings!” Techno made a face at the nickname and the boy let out another high-pitch wheeze. 

     “Just because I have white hair doesn’t mean I’m a rabbit, Dream. We have been over this. You want me to start calling you a duckling? ” Dream’s laughing stopped and he looked at Techno in slowly dawning horror. “Well, your hair is yellow, is it not? Perhaps I shall return the favor, if my hair being white makes me a rabbit.” Dream lunged at Techno, and they began to tussle on the ground. Techno grabbed a handful of Dream’s blonde hair and...

     “ACK! TECHNO! THAT WAS A DIRTY TRICK YO-” 

     “BOYS!” Yelled a voice from a few feet away. Both seven-year-olds froze and looked toward the voice. There stood Sir Henry, black hair glinting in the sun and eyes narrowed. “Ynogh.” at this command, the two young boys sprung apart from each other and quickly got to their feet. 

     “Sir Henry!” 

     “Good Morrow, Sir!”

     “Good Morrow, boys. Getting a start on combat training?” The tone of Henry’s voice showed he knew they were not, but after making eye contact the boys turned back to Sir Henry and nodded rapidly. 

     “Yes, that’s verray, Sir!” spoke the boys in unison. Henry seemed to let it slide and said:

     “That’s good, then, because today is the start of your combat training.” Techno and Dream gasped excitedly, “Grab the practice swords from the shed. Techno, you’re first. Dream, watch carefully.” The boys did as asked and soon Dream was sitting on the grass and watching with wide eyes as Henry put Techno into stance. 

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     It had been two months since Techno had become Sir Henry’s page, and as tough as it was he enjoyed it. When Henry wasn’t teaching him and Dream fighting techniques he was using them to tend to his farmland, deliver messages, or even go to the market for him. It was busy, but it hardly gave Techno time to miss his family and for that he was grateful. Over the weeks Techno and Dream had grown closer, becoming close friends and helping to teach each other things the other didn’t know. As pages they were still expected to interact with the nobility, so along with everything else they would frequently be sat down together to learn the proper manners. 

     They were also taught about the three principles of a knight, the three things they would devote their lives to once knighted. For the first one, their earthly feudal lord, Dream had stated he wanted to be like Sir Henry and serve the king. Techno wasn’t surprised, he’d be good at it. Himself however was already dedicated to Philza and Wilbur, and that would never change. The second devotion, a chosen lady, he had no interest in. Dream didn’t seem to have any interest in it either, but Sir Henry assured them that would change when they were older…Techno had doubts, but he would not go against Henry. The last one, god, he had absolutely no interest in. He would not say anything, but after being caged– Hands pressed to ice-cold bars, skin cut and bruised, hair matted, an emerald necklace hidden within tattered pockets –for being “ethereal” he did not want any part with it. 

     Subconsciously, Techno rubbed the emerald necklace hidden beneath his cotte and took a deep breath. Today was his day to tend to the farm while Sir Henry worked on combat with Dream, he needed to stay focused. Pulling himself together (ignoring the ache in his heart at the thought of blonde hair and gentle blue eyes, brown curls with big innocent brown) techno walked to where the farming tools were kept. He worked for hours, tending to animals and crops alike and paying special attention to a large brown horse. A week or so ago Henry had gone into town and gotten the boys two horses, stating they were ready for the responsibility, and Techno had named the largest one with gorgeous brown fur Carl. Dream, having taken the slightly smaller rust-covered stallion, named his steed Spirit. 

     Techno mucked out Carl’s space in the barn and ran a brush through his fur as gently as possible before giving him a spare apple. When he left the barn, however, he was surprised by a small yet powerful body slamming into his own, knocked slightly off balance as tiny arms wrapped around his waist. 

     “TECHNO!” cried the voice, and it was so, so familiar that out of instinct Techno came to wrap the sobbing child in his arms. 

     “...Wilbur?” he asked, although logically he already knew. His suspicions were confirmed when big brown eyes welling with tears looked up at him, and Wilbur sniffled. 

     “Techie! I missed you! And you never said bye to me! And you weren’t planning on coming back- why did you leave me!?” 

     “Wilbur I-” Techno paused. He was at a loss for words. Slowly, he buried his hand into soft curls and felt Wilbur relax slightly. “I was planning on returning, Will…” he paused again. How could he explain this? Could Wilbur even understand? How could he- “Wait.” Techno removed his hand from Wilbur’s hair and unwrapped the other arm from his waist. Wilbur did not like this and gripped onto Techno tighter. “Will- Wilbur, Wilbur look at me.” Wilbur did as told. “Will, how did yo-” 

     “Culver,” Techno’s body froze. Slowly, he lifted his eyes from Wilbur and instead to a man with blonde hair and sky-blue eyes. Panic consumed him, What? Why? How…How did he- His thoughts were cut short as Phil quickly walked over to him and placed a hand on his face. He looked…bad. For Phil, that is. His hair was in disarray, his eyes had bags beneath them, and as he held Techno’s face he tsked. “Culver I thought you knew better than this,” he began, “We’re going home. I can’t believe you let yourself get so dirty. This won’t do. You are Never leaving my sight again.” His words held a kind of finality Techno had never heard from him before. A kind of steal woven with his usual honey. Phil grabbed his hand and began tugging him away from the barn, Wilbur happily followed, but Techno dug his feet into the grass. 

     “Wait- Father-” 

     “Culver you’re in trouble, I don’t want to hear it. We’re going home.” 

     “But I just wanted to-” 

     “Techno.” Phil hadn’t used his name in a long time. Not since he’d started calling him Culver, and Techno knew he was in trouble. There was a moment of silence, and then Phil began tugging him away more insistently. Techno knew that this would be the last time he’d see the farm, the last time he’d see Carl and the last time he’d see Dream…but a part of him warmed. Phil was here, Wilbur was here, they missed him, they had looked for him personally for months, and a part of Techno felt right again with his father’s hand in his own and his brother right beside him. For a moment he let himself imagine going back to the manor, how nice it would feel, but he squashed down the image almost as soon as it came. No. He had to be a knight. Couldn’t Phil see he was doing this for him? For their family? Wanting to protect them as they did him? Why was he letting Phil take away that chance from him? Techno suddenly bumped into Phil’s back and blinked. Why did he stop walking? He peered around Philza and found Sir Henry, Dream at his side and practice swords in hand. 

     “What do you think you’re doing with my student, lord Philza?”

     “You mean my son? ” Phil’s hand tightened around Techno’s. “ My son, who I am taking home? ” Sir Henry frowned and peered around Phil to look at Techno. 

     “Techno, come here” Techno hesitated at the order before wearily looking at his father. Making a split-second decision Techno was able to wrench his hand from his father’s grasp and run over to Henry. Looking back at where he has just been he winced. Wilbur looked deeply betrayed, and Phil…Phil looked angry. “It seems as though he wishes to stay here and continue being my page.” Spoke Henry, and the hand not holding his sword migrated from his side and into Techno’s hair, which he promptly ruffled. Techno made a sharp noise of protest, all attention now drawn to his mentor, and didn’t notice Philza’s dark gaze. After playfully swatting Henry’s hand away from his now messy white hair, he turned back to his father. 

     “I was trying to tell you earlier, but you wouldn’t listen! Father, you saved me last year, you gave me a home, a brother, a…well, a Father.” Techno began, avoiding eye contact “I want to repay you, but I knew you wouldn’t let me! So that’s why I snuck out and came here. I want to be able to save you if you need it, I want to protect Wilbur, I want to protect myself. And, the best way to do that is by becoming a knight! Dedicating myself to the noble family of Craft! To you !” As he spoke, the anger in Philza’s eyes faded into soft adoration. 

     “Oh, Culver…” Phil approached Techno and ignored Henry’s warning look. he placed his hand on Techno’s head and began to smooth out the hair Sir Henry had ruffled, he looked weirdly smug as he did it but Techno brushed that aside. “Sweetling that was an adorable speech,” Phil started to say, “But you don’t need to do that.” Techno pouted and Phil laughed. “Now, now. I might consider letting you stay here with a few conditions” Phil ignored the sad wine Wilbur let out and looked Techno in the eyes “I will buy a property nearby and we will live there. There will be none of this…living on a farm business. You can walk to and from here every day or I can obtain a carriage for you. You will have a curfew, and I expect you to follow it.” Techno’s pout slowly morphed into a grin and Phil’s eyes moved from his to Henry’s “And if anyone chooses to oppose those rules ill take you back to the manor.” 

     “That’s perfect! That’s amazing! I want to do that!” exclaimed Techno. 

     “Lord Philza. You know a page can’t return to their family until they are knighted-” 

     “Well nobody except for us needs to know, hmm, Sir Henry ?” Henry frowned at Phil but kept his mouth shut. 

     “HAHA! WHOO COTTON TAIL! Looks like you can stay!” Yelled Dream, who Techno had forgotten was there, and he suddenly found himself on the ground. They both burst into laughter, both Techno’s barks of sharp noise and Dream’s wheezy keaks as they struggled on the ground. 

     “Ah! Techie!” Suddenly a third body was on top of them, and little Six-year-old Wilbur struggled to pull Dream off. Techno helped him out by sitting up, and Dream fell off of him. Wilbur quickly settled himself in Techno’s lap and hugged him tightly, glaring at where Dream now lay on the ground. Dream didn’t get up, still wheezing, and Techno felt Wilbur’s hand reach into his shirt and take out his Emerald necklace, holding it in his hands gently.

Chapter Text

     Techno awoke suddenly, the sun so bright it shone into his eyes through the lids and disorienting him almost as much as the loud shuffling beside his bed. Opening his eyes and throwing a hand over his head to block as much light as possible, he was met with the sight of Wilbur getting ready for the day. Wilbur had turned thirteen last week yet still insisted that he and Techno share a bedchamber, Techno allowed it, as he had been clingier ever since the stunt Techno pulled seven years ago. Techno had become a squire, and instead of doing day-to-day farm chores he now mostly cleaned Sir Henry’s armor every other day and trained in fighting when he wasn’t cleaning. That, or he saddled up Henry’s horse for him. Speaking of horses, Carl was probably waiting for him. Techno sat up slowly, the rustling of covers giving his state of wakefulness away to Wilbur.

     “Techno! My beloved Twin!” Exclaimed Wilbur, all too loud for this time of morning as he hopped over to the side of Techno’s bed.

     “Wilbur, you’re a year younger than me.”

     “Lies, my twin, Father will be on my side about this if you ask him. We were simply separated at birth is all.”

     “Right-” Techno began, an amused smile adorning his face as with every other time Wilbur claimed their supposed twinship “-and I suppose you put mud in your hair every morrow before I wake in order to make it brown? Mayhap I shall tell Father you need a good dousing in the river for your poor hair.” Wilbur grinned cheekily at him, not phased by the jab at his lie,

     “I never claimed we were identical,” he said, and Techno burst into deep laughter, struggling to catch his breath. Finally, once able to breathe again, Techno jumped out of bed and began getting ready for the day, ruffling Wilbur’s hair as he left the room and smiling at his little brother. He eventually finished getting ready and headed down the stairs to see Philza and Wilbur sitting at the dining table and waiting for the servants to bring them food. Techno sat down next to them and waited as well. 

     “Good morrow, Culver. What are your plans for the day?” asked Phil, his voice still a little rough from the effects of deep sleep. 

    “Today is my day to train with Sir Henry, he is finally letting me use an actual sword!” Replied Techno, the excitement in his voice palpable. 

     “Were you not already using an ‘ actual sword ’? I swear I have seen you with it.” inquired Wilbur, piping up in confusion from where he sat next to his father. Techno hummed in consideration, 

    “I suppose. However the difference between the two is those were dulled as to not cause any  harm, the swords I will be allowed to use today have been sharpened to perfection by both me and Dream over the past few weeks.” As Techno finished speaking, the servants came and set the long-awaited bellytimber in front of them. Techno and Wilbur immediately began to eat, Techno secretly keeping some scraps of meat for later, and not seeing Phil’s worried look. Eventually, Phil also began to eat his meal, and after the first side dishes had been eaten he paused. 

    “I think I’m going to accompany you today, Techno. I’m sure Wilbur would want to as well. You can take your sketchbook with you.” He said, the last few words accompanied by a pointed look toward Wilbur. Techno’s little brother absolutely lit up. 

     “Yes! I would love to sketch Carl while Techno is training…Oh and-” Techno tuned him out as he began ranting about all the things he wanted to draw. Wilbur had always been into art and music, one of which was scarcely valued and the other looked down on, but Techno had to admit he was good at it. Even though it was not typical for a noble to become a bard or a painter, Wilbur was dead set on it, and Techno was nothing if not supportive of his little brother. However, on a separate note, Techno was confused as to why Phil wanted to come. Sure, in the beginning, he and had attended every session where Techno would go to train with Henry or do normal page things, but he hadn't done that in years (He claimed that he had gotten bored, knowing Techno was safe so he allowed himself to move his attention elsewhere. Really, though, Techno knew it was because Henry had gotten tired of the glaring and chased him around threatening to pour horse feed on him until he left). Before long their bellytimber was gone and they were rising from their seats at the table. Techno went back up to his room and collected his satchel, transferring the meat he had taken from breakfast into it and double-checking he had everything he would need for sparing later that day. He went back out of his bedchambers and towards the front of the manor, Wilbur silently falling into step beside him.

     They made their way outside and towards the barn, the feint neighing of a horse slowly getting louder as they approached. Soon the sight of Carl greeted them and Techno quickly stepped into the barn to brush a hand down his snout, Wilbur slipping in not long after and laughing softly as Carl nuzzled his face. Techno moved to a bench near Carl’s stall and picked up a brush. As he began to brush through Carl’s coat, he started to speak,

     “Wilbur,” He said, and Wilbur paused before turning towards where Techno was brushing Carl. “You have to promise me you’ll try and get along with Dream.” Wilbur frowned, although Techno couldn't see it, and scoffed. 

    “You ask the impossible of me, Tech.” Said Wilbur, the disdain in his voice unmistakable. “Dream is a disgrace of a noble and nowhere near as talented as you. Besides, he makes fun of your hair and is far too childish to work for the king. Not to mention how filthy he- OW!” Wilbur was cut off in his ranting by the brush Techno had been using on Carl hitting him in the head. Whining, he rubbed his forehead and lifted his head to make eye contact with an unimpressed Techno, one white eyebrow raised. Without missing a second Techno made his way over to Wilbur, picked the brush off the hay-covered floor, removed as much hay as he could, and turned around to continue brushing Carl. 

     “You haven't seen Dream in years, Wilbur. You can’t say those things with certainty. Dream has beaten me several times in combat,” Techno paused, then chuckled “Furthermore, he may make fun of my hair but I return the favor.” Having finished brushing out Carl, Techno turned back to Wilbur and was met with the sight of Wilbur pouting. “Get that look off your face. I can’t believe you’re calling Dream childish when you act like this. What are you to do when meeting with the nobility? When meeting with the king? Are you to really pout at them, Wilbur?” Techno flicked him on the same place the brush hit and caused Wilbur’s face to scrunch up in pain. When Wilbur’s head stopped hurting he glared at Techno, who laughed and pushed his shoulder. “Go on then, you should go fetch your parchment. You said you wished to sketch Carl, yes?” Wilbur’s eyes widened and he quickly ran out of the barn, Techno’s laughter fading the closer he got to the manor. Techno turned back to Carl after Wilbur had left and smiled at him. “Hope you don’t mind staying here for a bit, Carl, I've got a dog to feed” Carl neighed, and Techno left the barn. 

     After walking for a few minutes he looked around and held two fingers to his lips. He let out a loud whistle and soon the sounds of barking began to rapidly approach. Before he knew it a large white blur slammed into him and knocked him over. 

     “ACK!-” Techno struggled and was eventually able to push off the large white ball of fluff, “Steve watch it!” Techno received a woof and a lick on the cheek in response. The white ball of fur was a large dog, Steve, as Techno had called him earlier. He was one of the guard dogs for the manor, but Techno had not only named him... He also had a habit of spoiling him. He reached into his satchel and pulled out the scraps of meat he had saved earlier only for Steve to immediately snatch them up. Techno laughed and pat his head, the big guard dog having flopped over onto his lap as he ate. Techno planned to stay there for a while, a hand in Steve’s soft fur and enjoying the sunshine, but soon enough he was disturbed. 

     “CULVER!” yelled Philza, and Techno jumped a little. He turned and was met with the sight of Phil hurrying over to him. He quickly stood up, disturbing Steve, and shooing the dog away. Not a moment too soon, as Phil quickly turned him around and looked him over hurriedly. “You need to stop hanging around that mutt, sweetling. Who knows what pests it has.” Techno huffed but didn’t say anything against his fussing or attempt to defend Steve. Phil eventually stopped checking him over and heavily sighed, “Go saddle your horse. We’re leaving soon.” Techno grinned up at Phil and raced back to the barn to saddle Carl.

____________________

    As soon as the sight of expansive farmland and a small stone house came into view Techno dropped from Carl’s saddle, running up to it. Techno knew he didn’t have much time, his family wasn’t too far behind in their carriage. The door to the stone house slammed open and out came a tall dirty blonde teen who rushed towards Techno.

     “COTTONTAIL!” Yelled the boy, and he slammed into Techno’s side, wrapping him in a hug. Techno laughed, loudly and happily 

    “Good morrow, duckling!” Said Techno as he struggled to push Dream off of him. “Ack! Dream! You saw me yesterday! Get off!”

     “Boys.” Spoke a stern voice, and as Dream reluctantly let go of him Techno looked up to see Henry. The knight had a smile on his face as he walked over and ruffled Techno’s hair. “Good to see you again, miting. Are you ready for today?” He asked, and Techno grinned at him. 

    “Yes! al be that I have to warn you, my father is coming today” The smile slipped off of Henry’s face and he sighed deeply, bringing a hand up to massage his forehead.

     “Was me chasing him off with a bucket of horse feed not enough?” Asked the exasperated Knight, and Dream began letting out his signature wheezing keaks at the memory, kneeling over and holding his stomach with tears coming to his eyes. Henry and Techno stared at him for a while, unimpressed, before turning back to face each other and ignoring the dirty blonde now struggling for air on the grass. 

     “Well, I made the mistake of letting him know we were moving on from training swords today. He said he was coming very sternly with no room to refute. I apologize, Henry” Henry gave Techno a tired smile and ruffled his hair affectionately. 

    “As long as he doesn’t glare at me for training my kids,” said Henry, his eyes bright, and Techno snorted.

    “Don’t let him hear you call me that, he’d have a fit!” Henry let out a hearty chuckle and was about to reply before the rustling of leaves interrupted him, and his attention was directed elsewhere. Dream had gotten into the crops with all his rolling around and wheezing, and Techno’s eyes widened. He let out a panicked noise and- 

    “DREAM WASTAKEN YOU GET YOUR ASS OUT OF MY CROPS YOU FOPDOODLE!” Yelled Henry, starting to sprint towards the boy, and Techno saw the exact moment Dream realized where he had rolled. Dream shot up with a shout of fear and started running away with Henry yelling and cursing following him, promising extra chores. As Dream took shelter behind Techno (as if he could do anything against their raging mentor) he moved his hand up to the shining emerald necklace around his neck. I hope this doesn’t end in disaster… He thought.

Chapter Text

           After a while Techno was laughing harder than he had in a while. Henry had returned to the house, waiting for Techno’s family to arrive, but he left behind a severely bruised Dream. Techno was clutching his sides, struggling to catch his breath in between laughter at what he was seeing. The blonde boy was now covered in dirt, his hair a mess and a glare firmly on his face. 

           “Shut up you Yaldson!” Said Dream, rubbing the side of his head where a bump was steadily forming. Techno gasped in mock offense, placing a hand over his heart before responding.

           “Says the raggabrash saddle-goose,” He said, a teasing lilt to his voice as Dream’s glare intensified. 

           “Okay Cottontail, you’re asking for it!” yelled Dream, lunging at Techno and tackling him. Techno let out a choked noise as he got tackled and a grin grew on his face. He and Dream began exchanging insults, careful not to roll into any of the garden patches as they began to wrestle. It was nice and exactly what Techno needed. His white hair was now tangled and covered in dirt alongside his clothes as he struggled to keep Dream pinned beneath him. Both of the young boys were grinning at each other and letting out a few short laughs on occasion. 

           The peace didn’t last as long as Techno hoped it would, his joyful play-wrestling with Dream interrupted by an angry shout and hands pulling Techno off the blonde boy. Before he knew it Wilbur was hugging him from behind and glaring at a disappointed Dream. Techno let out a heavy sigh, 

           “Wilbur.” He said, looking over his shoulder and raising an eyebrow, leveling Wilbur with an expectant stare, wanting an explanation for the interruption. Wilbur stuttered, looking offended,

           “Wha- but- Techno! He was attacking you! And your clothes are ruined!” Wilbur whined, attempting to defend his actions. Dream laughed heartily at him,

           “Yes, of course , I was attacking Him. as if Cottontail over here wasn’t the one on top of me ,” Dream was grinning now, and Wilbur glared harder at him. 

           “Well excuse me for thinking my brother was getting attacked by some poorly groomed vermin . How was I supposed to know it was a mange-ridden Hedge-born inst-“

           “You know damn well only nobles can become knights!” Dream interrupted, a scowl etched on his face. Wilbur laughed before responding, it was short, mocking, and mirthless. 

           “ Do I? Because it seems they let a rat pretend to be a noble, or perhaps Lady Puffy thought you were a stray mutt and adopted you, only to be too embarrassed to return you upon finding out you weren’t-“ 

           “DON’T TALK ABOUT MY MOTHER THAT WAY YOU-“

           “ YNOUGH! ” yelled Techno, standing up and shaking Wilbur off of his back. He let out a long, suffering sigh, “Damn it, Wilbur, I told you to play nice. This is why you and Dad don’t come to my training anymore!” He looked pissed, crossing his arms and huffing. “I’m going to go find Dad and Sir Henry.” He said, turning around and storming off towards the farmhouse, hearing Dream and Wilbur’s renewed arguing fade into the background as he got closer. When he reached the house he was greeted with the sight of Philza and Henry staring each other down over cups of tea, not speaking. He let out a deep sigh and put a hand on his forehead. The sigh made both adults look at him. Philza gasped, standing from his chair and rushing over to Techno. He knelt on the ground and took the white-haired boy’s face into his hands, moving it around and looking at the dirt that covered him. 

           “Culver what happened!? You’re filthy!Oh, and your hair!” fussed Phil, rubbing at a patch of dirt on Techno’s face. Henry laughed and Phil looked over at him.

           “You get into another fight with Dream, miting?” asked Henry, the grin on his face infectious and causing a matching smile to grace Techno’s features. The young boy nodded and escaped Phil’s grasp, dodging his searching hands and walking over to Henry, getting a hair ruffle. “Well,” began Henry, “There’s no better time to begin training now that you look the part.” he joked, and Techno’s smile grew before he bolted out of the door. 

           “Wh- CULVER!” Phil yelled after him, and all Techno could hear was him struggling to hurry from where he knelt. 

_________________

           Training had been going on for a while now, it mostly consisted of Henry teaching him how to handle the added weight of a metal sword as opposed to the lightness of a wooden one. Dream had left to do chores, Carl was eating some grass nearby, Wilbur was sitting against a nearby tree sketching the previously mentioned horse, and Philza was watching the training with narrowed eyes. 

           “Think you’re ready to start sparing, Miting?” asked Henry after a while, and Techno nodded. He took up the correct stance, waiting for Henry to grab his own sword and do the same before they began sparing. It was tough, getting used to the new weight in his hands, and although Henry had helped him get used to holding it, swinging was another matter. He struggled for a bit, and he could tell Henry was going easy on him. Even still, he had a huge grin on his face and was obviously enjoying the thrill of sparring. They continued like that, back and forth trading blows (although Henry was doing a lot more attacking and Techno a lot more blocking) for a while. That is, until Techno’s grip on his blade slipped and Henry’s blade sliced through his arm. Techno winced, letting out a soft hiss of pain meanwhile a few feet away Philza froze. Henry sheathed his blade, gently taking Techno’s from him and setting them aside before calmly lifting Techno’s arm to inspect it. The two weren’t panicked, after all getting these types of injuries were common and expected in their line of work. After a bit of examination Henry softly smiled. “It’s not bad, it’ll heal in a few weeks for sure. You’ll be fine Miting.” He said, and Techno matched his soft smile before his grin widened. 

           “Think it’ll scar?” Asked Techno. Henry let out a hearty laugh, 

           “If you’re lucky.” His mentor replied, and they both stood there for a second, still grinning at each other.

           “Lucky!? LUCKY!?” Yelled Phil suddenly, causing both Techno and Henry to flinch from surprise, they hadn't seen him approaching. Phil grabbed Techno’s arm harshly, causing the young boy to wince and let out a pained noise, Phil softened a little and loosened his grip, “Hush Culver, it’s okay, I’ve got you,” he said, cooing, before scowling and turning to Henry. “You call this FINE? He is not fine! He needs medical attention!”

           “It’s a scratch, Lord Philza. ” Spat Henry, crossing his arms. “You’re overreacting! Wounds like this are common, Especially for knights.”

           “OVERREACTING!?” Shouted Phil, taking an angry steps towards Henry and pulling Techno’s arm with him. The harsh handling had caused the wound on his arm to sluggishly bleed, and Techno was overwhelmed with pain. The two adults didn’t seem to notice this, too caught up in their heated argument. Wilbur had approached, reaching out to try and grab Techno’s arm from Phil’s grasp having been the only one noticing his pain. As the argument continued Techno kept getting angry, these two kept claiming they wanted what’s best for him- but when he was in pain they didn’t notice? He’d had enough. Wrenching his arm out of Phil’s grasp with a small gasp of pain, Techno turned and sprinted towards Carl. Alarmed shouts rang out behind him as he zeroed in on the horse and hopped onto his saddle. With a sharp click of his tongue and a soft kick to Carl’s side, the horse took off. 

           “Let’s get out of here bud” whispered Techno, as the shouts of his family disappeared. He was riding Carl towards the nearest town, just wanting a place to calm down if anything. He tore off the cleanest part of his shirt and tied it onto his arm, over the cut, and made sure it was secure. It was getting dark out but Techno had finally arrived at the town. He tied up Carl at a nearby stable and set out, wandering for a while and checking out the occasional booth, when all the sudden a shopkeeper cried out. 

           “THIEF! THERE’S A THIEF! SOMEBODY CATCH HIM!” Techno turned and ran in the direction of the voice. After all, what kind of knight in training would he be if he didn’t answer a call? It took a while of searching but eventually he found a disgruntled shopkeep in front of what looked like a newly booth. 

           “What’s going on?” Asked Techno, but the Shopkeeper didn’t even glance at him still crying out about the ‘thief’ that had stolen from his booth. After a few more tries Techno gave up and started searching himself. He ran through alleyways and cobbled streets, dodging horses and mobs of people while trying to catch a glance of a shady figure who could be the thief. It was while he was running into one of these alleyways that got stopped by a force slamming into his chest. He let out a heavy, winded “oof!” And fell over. Only to see a small dirty child with blue eyes and matted blonde hair who clearly hadn’t meant to run into him. He looked panicked, like he was running, and it took Techno a second to figure out that he had found the thief. In his dirt covered hands, the child held a sleek emerald bracelet.