“Children of the Dark” (OxO, Mature, Closed)

A small smile lifted De’Tearion’s lips as he looked down at Pip. He was both envious and glad that the boy seemed to be sleeping so soundly. The blanket of shadows was also quite fascinating. De’Tearion would have to remember all the spells Pip used so that he could try and expand his own repertoire. After all, he only knew battle-related spells.

After another moment of inspecting Pip, De’Tearion started to gently brush his long fingers through the boy’s hair. He did it a few times, carefully avoiding any knots that might be in his hair, then settled back and looked around the room more closely.

He was curious about all the trinkets, but he was also keeping watch. The footsteps of a village guard could be heard nearby.

De’Tearion paused when Pip snuggled closer against him. He remembered Agatha doing something quite similar through the centuries, but they had grown up together. To have a child pressed against him… such a small and innocent boy… he didn’t know how to react. So, he simply resumed his gentle strokes, watching as the shadows slowly receded.

Being a nocturnal predator, De’Tearion could see quite well in darkness. It was fascinating though the way the sunlight filtered in and illuminated the room and all the little trinkets within.

As he eyed the objects, De’Tearion realized even more how crafty Pip was. It wasn’t just his shadow magic, but his actual interest. Was that why he could use the shadows so artistically? Because it was a passion of his?

De’Tearion caressed his amulet with his free hand, and considered eventually showing Pip how to craft jewelry. His kin were known widely among the Forestfolk as master jewelers, and De’Tearion himself was no different.

His thoughts were interrupted as he saw movement from the window. De’Tearion turned to look, tensing up as he watched a village guard pass by. The guard thankfully didn’t look inside, simply walking by, but it served as a reminder that De’Tearion had to be careful.

De’Tearion heard the little moan from Pip, but he continued watching the window for a moment. Though, as the shadows retreated, he finally turned to the boy. Pip’s smile helped him to relax and he smiled back a second later.

“Good morning to you as well,”he replied softly.

He leaned forward as Pip sat up, glancing around again at the array of trinkets in the room.

“You made all of these, aye?”he couldn’t help asking, gesturing to the trinkets. He was pretty sure Pip had made them, but it was a conversation starter to figure out the extent of the boy’s creative passions.

A small smile lifted his lips as Pip stretched, and it grew at his answer. He then listened to the boy’s words, placing a gentle hand on Pip’s shoulder when he trailed off.

“The material of crafting be a minor detail when one simply likes the craft. And, crafting be a way to honor your father, as he will live on through what you have made,”De’Tearion cooed.

He reached up with his free hand and lifted up the black glass pendant of his amulet. A hint of sadness creeped into his eyes.

“My sister made this amulet, to honor and remember our mother. When… when she died, she gave the amulet to me, that I would do the same for her. I have cherished this amulet since, and it brings me comfort knowing that I carry her and Mother with me,”he said, letting the pendant slide out of his grip.

De’Tearion smiled back, a gentle and reassuring expression. It gladdened him to see the light growing in Pip’s eyes. The realization that he could still honor his father without having to focus his craft solely on woodworking would open so many doors for him, and relieve just as much stress.

As Pip reached for his amulet, De’Tearion barely resisted pulling the amulet away. He succeeded with the help of the boy’s comment, but De’Tearion still had to fight the urge to protect his amulet at all cost. The pendant alone was a priceless artifact, its shape representing the beetle form his mother could morph into. He knew every ridge, every curve, of the pendant’s structure. He couldn’t bear the thought of seeing it damaged.

De’Tearion returned to reality as Pip reached for his mouse. His words rang in his head, almost bringing him to tears. That mouse was his ‘amulet’ and he no doubt cherished it with all his heart.

“Always carry it with you then. Let it be your guide as much as your comfort. ‘Tis a conduit to your father, as my amulet be to my mother and sister. In harsh times, they will often show you the way forward, even when you realize it not,”he said softly.

De’Tearion was thankful that Pip didn’t pursue touching his amulet. He didn’t mind the boy looking at it, but he wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to let someone else touch or hold it.

He smiled at Pip’s words, thoughtfully watching him cradle the mouse.

“Aye. If you need time to gather your things, I can wait. It may also be wise if you eat and take some food with you, if you can. My own diet be… different from humans. I know not how to cook, and I wish not to make you ill.”he answered.

(You’re fine. I completely understand lol)

De’Tearion’s smile grew as he watched Pip get up and start packing. Then, he carefully made his way off the bed, trying to avoid tearing anything up with his clawed feet and sharp tibial spurs. When he was finally standing, he looked over the bed and saw only a few small tears that could easily be explained away. He was glad for that.

“That be a good start, and we shall learn more together. I will hide in the trees while you get something to eat, to avoid any conflict. Though, if you need me, you only need call my name,”De’Tearion said.

De’Tearion continued to watch Pip while he packed, curious. Though, as the boy dressed, he turned to look at the trinkets around the room to give Pip privacy. He turned back at the question.

“Aye. Though, I am primarily adept at hunting. I have little practice in foraging, unless it be for herbs. I can show you those as well, as herbs are often necessary in the wilderness,”he answered.

De’Tearion noted the bag of coins, appreciating the boy’s mindfulness of being prepared. Though he had only minimal knowledge on human currency, he understood its usefulness.

(Bumping this finally lol)

De’Tearion nodded,”That will help make it easier for you to learn more.”

Though he wasn’t sure how much exactly Pip knew about plants, or any other survival topic, even the most basic knowledge would prove useful. Pip was young and already seemed to be a fast learner, so he would more than likely pick up on things quickly, especially subjects he has prior knowledge on.

De’Tearion chirped in acknowledgement, then glanced out the window, calculating. After a moment, he looked back at Pip.

“If you wish to eat something before leaving, go ahead. I will wait in the trees you see out of this window, to avoid causing trouble. Though, if any trouble should find you, you need only call my name. Otherwise, I shall simply wait for your arrival,”De’Tearion said, pointing out the window as he spoke.

He waited for a response, not wanting to leave just yet until he knew what Pip wanted to do.

A small smile lifted De’Tearion’s lips as Pip beamed. For the first time in a while, he would have true company. It was a blessing that De’Tearion could only pray would last.

He chirped at the Pip’s words, the clicking sound ringing from his throat, tilting his head in thought.

“In that case, we can stay until you are finished eating. Unless you would prefer to get moving now. Whichever way you prefer,”he said.

De’Tearion watched Pip closely, noting how eager he seemed to leave. When he spoke, De’Tearion was already expecting it. He felt the same. Though, if they were leaving now, he didn’t feel the need to wait so far away.

“Of course. I will be right outside this window,”he said.

He then teleported, vanishing in a cloud of black smoke. Reappearing exactly outside the window, he glanced around for any guards before turning to wave at Pip from outside.