32 Friends

Stifled by the awkward atmosphere, I try breaking the tension. Turning to Daric, I say, "I haven't had a chance to teach you the alphabet yet. I'll teach you as we travel today. How's about that?"

He smiles excitedly nodding his head like a jackhammer.

I smile fondly, "Do you remember the words I've taught you so far?"

Practically bouncing where he sat, he points around saying the corresponding word, "{Tree, leaf, sky, sun, ground, grass, clothes and rocks}."

I pat him on the head, "Good job."

Happy as can be, he's bubbling over with joy as he eats. His black curls flow freely and silver eyes bright as a dimple appears on his smiling face. My heart melts at his bright, adorable face.

"Princess Nadia–." Lark begins.

Pulling my attention away from Daric, I interject, "You can call me Emma." He looks confused, unaware of where the name came from. "Just think of it as a name I only allow my friends to call me."

This seems to stutter everyone other than Daric. "This soldier could never–."

"Why," I raise an eyebrow at him.

"Because it's not appropriate."

I smile, "Like I'm going to let something like that stop me. If it makes you feel better, consider it an order."

He stares at me long enough I don't think he'll do it.

In a small voice, he says, "Yes...Emma."

"See that wasn't so hard, now was it?" He doesn't seem to know what to say to that. "What did you want?"

The others don't seem to know what to make of the transaction and settle on gawking at our back and forth.

"About the language, you are teaching young Daric..." he hesitates.

"Yes," I prompt.

"Would you mind teaching it to me too?"

Taken back I ask, "You want to learn another language?"

He does a one-shoulder shrug. Acting less formal, I note. "It seems interesting."

"That's fine with me. {The more the merrier}," before they ask I explain, "It means the more people there are, the happier it is." At Daric's face I add, "Yeah, it doesn't translate over well."

We continue to eat for a period of silence when I tell Lina this tastes lovely. She jerks in surprise and blushes. We finish up and continue traveling; throughout the rest of the day. Irvin has been shooting disapproving looks toward Lark. Thankfully because of the order we were walking he couldn't glare too often. He's in the front, Lark is in rear, and everyone else gathers in the middle. Before, Lark trailed behind close enough to grab me if there is trouble, but far enough that we couldn't hold a conversation. Now he's almost right next to me as I teach him and Daric the letters of the alphabet. There are no further incidents as it gets late into the day.

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As the sun slowly dips down, Lark tries figuring out how his arm reattached in a span of a few breaths. Based on his abilities, he knows he couldn't have done it. Even if he tried, the overwhelming agony would have made him pass out and stopped the process until he woke again. This time there wasn't the slightest hint of pain. Furthermore, that wasn't his asura. The brilliant gold sparkled with a unique power never seen before. He glances at the Princess- no, Emma, the name for her friends. The thought brings warmth to his heart he hasn't felt since he was a child.

When she told him to try despite the futility of the effort, he was going to reject her until he stared into her amber eyes and felt compelled to attempt it for her; as expected pain lashed through him like a hot poker driven through his veins and stripped him bare. In the midst of the agony, he felt her hold him, heard her call out his name. It was a small thing helping little but for the first time in years someone who knew what he is reached out to him, not to abuse, but sooth.

Without a shadow of a doubt, he believes Emma somehow helped him. The former mageless princess has transformed, bringing with her an ability that could bring the four kingdoms to shocked awe. Especially, for someone who has no formal training. He glances at her once more, unaware of how his gaze softens as he takes in her tiny frame.

He feels the weight of Irvin's stare radiating disapproval at being casual with the Princess. He fears I'll bring the wrath of the King upon myself for associating with a high born. For the high class to associate with the low born, let alone a hybrid, would bring shame to their family. But he fears letting go of the closest connection he has made with another person. Although it's selfish, he wants to hold onto the connection, small as it may be.

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We have stopped for the day. I sit against a tree with Daric somehow still awake. I consider rolling over and sleeping, but I could tell Lark has wanted to talk about what happened earlier. We haven't had a chance because Irvin has kept him busy since we stopped. First to track down something to eat and to collect more wood. I would have gone with him, but right now, standing felt more like a chore and Irvin was well aware; it's not until much later after evening meal I feel recovered enough to walk. Fortunately, a chance arises to talk when Irvin is busy. I have Daric stay put as I go for a walk with Lark.