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.
Pip hummed softly at having his hair stroked so gently and nuzzled closer into the touch. He didn't want to wake up yet, but the boy had always been a light sleeper. The blanket slowly dissipated and the room brightened as if someone had started to pull back a curtain.
The trinkets, now more visible in the morning light, were all clearly handmade from scraps of wood, metal, fabric and even small pebbles. Some appeared to be toys mimicking every day people. A lumberjack, a blacksmith, a farmer… all standing mid pose on a shelf. Though some also appeared to be small hand made tools, either to make the toys or for other purposes, alongside small baskets holding more materials for future projects.
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.
Pip let out a soft sleepy moan and rubbed at his eyes as he felt his ‘pillow’ stiffen. The shadows finally receded to a completely normal state. It took him just a moment longer to wake up and remember that he wasn't alone. He smiled as he looked up at De’Tearion, relieved that he hadn't just been a dream.
“G’morning.” he yawned, voice still soft, and slowly sat up.
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.
Pip smiled at the returned greeting and stretched out his small limbs. “Hmm? Yeah.” he answered when he saw what De’Tearion was talking about. “My dad… started teaching me about shaping wood. Like my mouse. But…” he trailed off, pulling his legs up to his chest. “I just like making things. Doesn't matter what I use.”
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.
Pip looked up with a soft shy smile when De’Tearion said it didn't matter what he used to make things. That he didn't have to limit himself to just wood. It felt… comforting to know that he was still making his father proud by making things.
His eyes widened at the sight of the pendant, his hand reaching up to touch it… before he stopped. “It's beautiful.” he murmured. The thought that something so beautiful could be so special for another reason… He reached back under his pillow and held his wooden mouse tightly. “I know what you mean.” he nearly whispered.
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.
Pip was fascinated by the details of the beetle-shaped pendant but knew better than to actually touch it because the shape was so similar to how De’Tearion looked. It had to be special.
“I will.” the boy nodded, holding the mouse to his chest. He didn't understand how his father could guide him through the object but he never planned to leave it behind.
“Are we still leaving together?” he asked softly, hopeful that he would be able to leave this place and go somewhere with De’Tearion to learn more about how to use the shadows better.
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.
(sorry about the wait. I had a bit of writer's block then my writing brain kicked into overdrive for an old story I hadn't thought about in years.)
Pip beamed at the assurance that they were still going to leave together and jumped off the bed. “Just need a few things.” he said quickly, already pulling out an old half-empty bag before grabbing the rest of his little tools and some materials, both of which he carefully wrapped and stored in their own bags.
“I know how to cook… a little.” he informed, though he did agree with De’Tearion about getting some food from here. “I can eat as we leave.”
(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.
Pip scurried around, gathering personal essentials and packing them carefully before taking a moment to quickly put on a rough pair of trousers and switch out his nightshirt for something more suited for traveling.
“Will… will you teach me how to… get food out there?” he asked shyly, knowing that they might not be able to come into other towns or villages for food. Though he did pack a small bag of coins he had managed to save.
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)
(lol Yay!)
“I know a little about plants.” Pip admitted, still interested in learning more from De’Tearion. He may have just been a young boy but he knew that his new teacher wouldn't be very welcome in most villages that they might come across and didn't want to be separated from him longer than necessary. He could go into markets when they had the chance but he wanted to prove that he could handle living in the forests too.
“Ready.” he nodded as he picked up his bag and carefully slung it over his shoulder.
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.
Pip smiled brightly at De’Tearion’s nod, as if he was eager for any positive words or simply happy to be helpful in any way on their journey.
“There’s some bread on the table in the other room.” he informed. “I can grab it real quick and eat on the road.” he offered, not wanting to be too far away from his new teacher (and only friend) for too long. But he understood if De’Tearion didn't want to stay in this house for much longer either.
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.
Pip looked around at his room, making sure that he had everything he wanted and needed, before shaking his head. “I want to leave.” he admitted softly but certainly. “If I grab the bread… can we go?”
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.
Pip smiled at the agreement and quickly, but quietly, moved towards the door to his room. He carefully pushed the door open slowly in an attempt to keep it from creaking before making sure the room was empty.
Once he was certain that things were safe, he snuck through the door, grabbed the loaf of bread from the table, and bolted out the main door of the house. “I’m here.” he called to De’Tearion as he headed to the window near his old room.
