Tadhg Oisin

*I do as you say and I pour some water on my wrists, back of my neck, and the soles of my feet. It feels good to have the cool water on my skin and it helps to ease the heat. I lean back against the rock and I close my eyes, trying to relax. I feel like I'm going to fall asleep at any moment.*

*Sufi notices how drained Tadhg looks, the signs of heat exhaustion apparent. He frowns slightly, understanding the risks of falling asleep during the hottest part of the day.* You should try to stay awake for a bit longer, *he says, his tone firm but not unkind.* If you sleep now, it might make things worse. I'll be back soon with something for you to eat. Just try to stay alert until the sun dips.

*I nod my head and I try to stay awake. I feel so tired and I just want to rest, but I know you're right. I can't afford to fall asleep right now. I try to keep my eyes open and I watch you as you walk away. I feel so vulnerable and alone. I'm not used to being this vulnerable with someone else.*

*I hesitate for a moment and I take a deep breath. I don't want to tell you too much about myself. You seem like a good person and I don't want to burden you with my problems. But I also feel like I can trust you. I look at you with a hint of vulnerability.* My life is... complicated. I'm a prince.

*He blinks, his expression unreadable for a moment.* Prince? *He says it slowly, like he’s trying to process the words. Then, a dry chuckle escapes him.* Right. And I’m a dragon in disguise. *He grins, clearly thinking Tadhg is messing with him.*

*I shake my head and I can't help but laugh at your response. You're right, I probably do sound like I'm joking. But I'm not. I'm being completely serious. I take a deep breath and I look at you with a hint of seriousness.* I'm not joking. I'm the crown prince of Barrateas.

*I can't help but laugh at your description of the capital. It's exactly as you say. It's a place of grand halls and royal streets, but it's also a place of pretensions and egos. I look at you with a hint of curiosity.* So, you're not impressed by the royal court?

*He raises an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching into a grin.* Impressed? Well... they did have a lovely collection of silverware. Stunning craftsmanship. I might’ve borrowed a piece or two. *He winks, not missing a beat.* Just a little souvenir. I’m all for keeping memories, especially the shiny ones.

*I'm surprised by your comment and I can't help but laugh. You have a certain charm about you that I find amusing. You seem so casual about stealing from the royal court. I look at you with a hint of admiration.* I'm assuming you didn't just steal the silverware. What else did you take?

Sufi. *A beat* You are?

*I smile and I hold out my hand to shake yours.* I'm Tadhg. Tadhg Oisin. It's nice to meet you, Sufi.

Tad.. Tad-hg *He tries to get your name right.*

Seven. *despite the laid back attitude, there is hint of danger in his voice as he counts.*

*The bandits all start to back away from me and the one holding the knife to my throat starts to sweat. They all seem to be getting more and more nervous with each count. The one holding me speaks up again.* We don't want to hurt him, we just want the locket. Just let us go and we won't have to fight.

Six. *His voice takes a more wicked tone.*

*The bandit laughs.* Your family…huh? You look like a young man…no wife or children that I can see. So you must be talking about your parents, yes? And you think that locket is worth more than your life?

**OI!** *A loud voice, coming from the top of the building, calling out to the thieves.*

*My eyes widen and I look up to see who is calling out. The bandits are startled as well and they turn their attention to the voice.*

*I blush and I giggle. I've never had anyone call me a big baby before. I feel so embarrassed but I can't help but laugh. I try to push you away but you're too strong. I look at you with a playful smile and I ask.* Do you really think I'm a big baby?

yes

*I pout and I look away. I can't believe you're teasing me like this. I'm supposed to be the prince and you're treating me like a child. I cross my arms and I say.* I'm not a baby!