30 Beasts (1/2)

Morning comes around, and before eating Emma turns to Daric with a serious look on her face.

”Daric,” she looks him in the eye and carefully asks, ”do you want to live with me? So far I've been dragging you along and had yet to ask what you want,” she continues, ”If you don't want to stay with me, I'm sure there are people in a nearby town that would take you in. You'll also-.”

He cuts in with a small voice, ”Is it because I'm not useful?”

His greatest fear is that he'll be a burden that causes the death of someone he loves, just like with his mother. Emma asked so she could know what Daric wants to do. But he took it as though she was trying to get rid of him. Tears well in his eyes.

”Daric–.”

”I know I can't do much, but I promise to be useful,” he rambles in a rush, ”I'll do everything you ask of me. I'll be good and listen.” He's now crying. His cute silver eyes are begging her not to abandon him.His face pales further and twists into despair. His hands clutch the sleeves of her dress as though to force her to remain.

She blinks at him in surprise.

”Please don't send me away.”

Emma grabs him, pulling him into her embrace.

”Oh, you sweet child,” pulling back she wipes his tears, ”I absolutely adore you. You have the strength to survive everything life has thrown at you without completely falling apart. I would be honored to have you with me.”

”So–,” hope blossoms in his eyes.

”But,” she presses on knowing this needs to be said, ”in case you have haven't noticed. Being with me is dangerous. So if you're going to stay with me, I need you to be certain this is what you want. Life with me will not be simple or easy. Do you understand?”

He snorts.

The look on Emma's face causes Daric to laugh for the first time since the draugrs. He hugs her until his laughter dies down.

In an exasperated tone, only a child could pull off, ”I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I was an orphan living in the woods stealing for food with the high chance of getting taken as a slave or killed.”

”Good point,” kissing the top of his head she asks, ”So you don't mind living with me?”