Chapter Text
There were a few things Eda noticed about Hunter throughout the couple of weeks he’d been living here.
Most of them being concerning.
Hunter seemed to need approval for anything he did, even if it was for something simple he should just be able to do without worrying. He seemed to like physical contact, like hugs and all, but he sometimes rejected it by saying he ‘didn’t do anything special to deserve’ it. Sleep seemed to be a tricky thing, and he had nightmares quite frequently. There had been a few nights where she had found him trying to leave, saying that he ‘wouldn’t have to be a bother’ to her anymore and that he’d ‘find some other way’, one that didn’t burden her. She had stopped him every time, assuring him that he was not a bother, that she wanted to keep him here.
Every time he cried while clinging onto her.
It was clear that whoever had taken care of this kid previously wasn’t, well, the best parent.
Today was another morning, Eda making food for breakfast. Sure, she could just drink apple blood and call that it for the morning, but he was a child who definitely needed nourishment. So, here she was, cooking to make sure she could feed him.
She could hear Hunter walk down the stairs, and she knew that he was ready for food. She was almost done anyway. Small footsteps came closer, and she soon found a head of blonde hair next to her.
“I’m almost done making food, kid, just wait a second,” Eda said as she messed with his hair a bit with her free hand. She could see him nod out of the corner of her eye, him making a little ‘mhm’ in confirmation. He was honestly adorable if Eda was being honest. He stood there, being very patient.
Once she had finished, she put some on a plate for Hunter.
“Ok, here you go. There’s plenty more if you want seconds” She handed the plate to him, watching as he gently took it. “Be careful though, it’s still hot.” He understood, blowing on it a bit. The tooth gap made him slightly whistle. She couldn’t help but laugh a bit.
She decided to get some as well—she made it, afterall, why shouldn’t she eat it?—and watched as the blonde child started to eat his. He seemed a bit uncomfortable just, well, standing there, and once she started to eat hers, she decided to speak up.
“Ya know, you can go off and sit somewhere if you want to.” Eda informed Hunter. “And I don’t care where you sit, as long as you won’t get hurt by it, anywhere’s fair game” Hunter looked up at her for a moment, and she just nodded in confirmation. He went off to sit down on the couch, putting the plate on the table in front of it. She noticed that he really seemed to like that spot.
Maybe that was because of his first night here.
As she watched him eat his food over there, and she ate hers, she couldn’t help but think of the future.
Which wasn’t exactly something she tended to do.
She didn’t mind the change however.
Taking in this human was a smart decision.
Hunter had not shown up, none of the coven heads or the scouts reported any sightings of him, and Belos was sure that he probably got himself killed. He, of course, was upset about the disappearance of him, especially considering what he was. He had betrayed him much earlier than the previous attempts, which did hurt. However, maybe this human could be a nice replacement.
She was very curious, but he was sure that he could get her to ask less and less as time went on. She was very trusting, which was perfect. He hoped that that trust would last. She was a few years younger than Hunter, but that didn’t really matter. Within the first few minutes of knowing her, he was told her name was Luz.
Years of training and, well, his own special love , and she’d be the perfect replacement. He didn’t usually make anyone but grimwalkers the Golden Guard, but she could be the exception.
Of course, he would have to find Hunter eventually.
After all, if he wanted to make another grimwalker, he’d have to dispose of this one first.
He just hoped he could keep Luz on the right track.
Speaking of Luz, he recognized those little footsteps approaching. He turned around to see Luz standing there with a paper.
“What is that you’ve got there?” She showed off a drawing on the paper. It was of her and him, her wearing a ridiculous outfit and holding a staff. She seemed real excited at the idea of doing magic.
“Do ya like it?” Luz looked up at her, childhood innocence showing in her face and voice. “Lily gave me ‘da stuff ‘ta do it!” Of course, she was probably bothering Lilith. She seemed to like her more than the others.
“Say, Luz. How would you feel about being able to do magic?” She lit up at the proposal, nodding her head excitedly. “Well, I can make that happen. I can make you a staff with artificial magic.” A small gasp came from her, presumably at the propect of getting a staff.
“Uh-huh! Uh-huh! How long’s i’gonna take?” Luz asked. Luckily for her, he was already working on one for Hunter, so it wouldn’t take too long. He might take just a bit longer to give it to her, just to try and make her a bit more patient.
“Shouldn’t take long. You’re gonna have to wait though.” She seemed determined to get it. Good. He needed her to be committed.
“I can wait!” He almost laughed at this. She was so young, so innocent. He knew he’d have to break that innocence down, but he’d do it slowly, and over time.
He had to make sure she still trusted him, afterall.
Her devotion was important, and he needed to keep her from betraying him as well.
Afterall, she was young
She didn’t understand what was wrong
And what was right.