Chapter Text
In Lilia's very, very long life, he never once expected to raise a child. a human child at that.
He had fought and won wars, he had conquered lands, he had made history...
But he never really imagined himself picking up an infant and adopting him. Caring for the crown prince of Briar Valley was one thing but taking a human child and raising him as his own was a surprise even to him.
The child was so tiny and soft that Lilia thought he could easily break the child with just a tap of his finger. Malleus could easily defend himself even when he was an infant but this human baby could barely even move on his own, much less defend himself.
Perhaps it was genuine curiosity or pity- or maybe both- that appealed to him to adopt the child and named him 'Silver' due to his silvery hair.
Either way, he didn't regret a thing adopting Silver. Although there were a couple of minor setbacks since raising a human was vastly different from as raising a dragon prince. Humans were much, much more fragile than faes. It was rather worrisome but he (along with the occasional help of Malleus) managed to get through over the years.
And before Lilia knew it, the infant he found in the forest was now a five year old boy.
Silver was bigger now and reached Lilia's knees. He could now run around, laughing and giggling as he played with any forest animal that approaches him while Lilia watched over him from the side. Five years went by so quickly.
In Lilia's case, five years felt like minutes to him and it still surprises him that the babe that could barely crawl was now running up to him with a huge smile on his face as he called out. "Father!"
Silver hugged his leg tightly and looked up with bright eyes. Lilia smiled and patted him on his head. "Are you having fun, Silver?"
Silver nodded his head, grinning widely. "Will you play with me?" He asked and Lilia laughed lightly at how adorable Silver was. "Of course."
Lilia thought about how small and adorable Silver is and sometimes he wished Silver would stay that way but then as the years pass, he realized how different he and Silver are.
He watched a now ten year old Silver swing his wooden sword with a determined look on his face. Beside him was a boy, close to Silver's age, with light green hair and was swing similar wooden sword with the same look of determination.
Silver had asked him one day to teach him how to wield a sword. Lilia couldn't help but feel amused at the sudden request but agreed and began teaching him, along with his friend, Sebek.
Apparently the reason for their sudden request was because they wanted to be of service to Malleus whom they greatly admire, and be his guards.
When Lilia brought up the idea to Malleus, the two of them chuckled in amusement, especially about Silver. Malleus was slightly bewildered that a human child would want to be his guard as most humans in Briar Valley (which weren't much) were too scared to approach him, much less look at him.
Lilia knew despite Malleus finding the idea humorous, he was quite happy that Silver wasn't intimidated of him. Thus Lilia made sure to train the two to be worthy enough guards for the crown prince.
However, he had overestimated their capabilities and ended up treating them too harshly while training them.
Putting them in harsh climates for them to strengthen their endurance, putting them through grueling hours of training.
It was a miracle they managed to survive in their young age.
Despite raising Silver for years, Lilia had genuinely forgotten the ones he was currently mentoring were just children and not soldiers. After realizing this fact, he downplayed his training plans to one that is more suitable for their age.
It honestly surprised Lilia at the two's resilience so far. He had put them through training that would have made grown men weep and beg for mercy and yet he had not heard one single complain from them.
Of course, Lilia didn't feel too bad about what he had put them through since they did benefit from those agonizing trainings.
"Father." A voice breathlessly called out. Lilia gazed back at the pair who were panting, sweat trailed down their forms. "We're done. One thousand swings."
"Good." Lilia smiled, lightly applauding them. "Are you ready for the next one?"
Before Silver could answer, Sebek yelled excitedly. "YES LILIA-SAMA!" His figure straightened stiffly as he saluted. His excited expression clear on his face. Silver rolled his eyes at Sebek but then nodded in agreement.
Lilia simply chuckled. "Kufufu, alright then. On to the next training."
And the three spent the entire day training. Lilia couldn't help but admire their persistence and energy the longer he observed them. Perhaps it was their youth or maybe it was their ability to adapt. Either way, they were doing quite well for their age.
Lilia praised them for their hard work and patted their heads. That was when Lilia noticed that Silver had indeed grown taller, reaching his chest. The child that once innocently looked up at him from his knees has changed to the boy who stared at him with resolve. It was almost funny how ten years can go by in an instant like this...
He trained them physically but he hadn't really thought much of their mental being. He only started realizing this when Silver one day asked.
"Father, how come our ears are nothing alike?"
Lilia looked up from his book and stared at the eleven year old in front of him. It was raining outside, lightning flashed one in a while followed by the sound of thunder. Lilia raised a brow and couldn't help but let an amused smile curl on his lips.
He knew eventually Silver would notice something and honestly Lilia thought it was a little late for Silver to start wondering. But still to think the first thing Silver noticed was their ears made this situation slightly humorous for Lilia.
Lilia closed his book and gestured him to sit down next to him to which Silver did. "You see Silver I am a fae. Most faes have pointed ears like mine."
"But how come my ears aren't like yours?" Silver continued to ask as he lightly touched the edge of his round ears.
"That's because we aren't the same race, Silver. You are a human, not a fae."
"Human?"
"Yup, there aren't many humans here in Briar Valley though and there are other races that live here but you are totally human."
"But we are related so how come I'm human then?"
"That's simple. The reason you're human and that our ears are different is because we aren't blood related. I adopted you when you were a babe."
Silver froze as Lilia explained in an easygoing manner. Silver stared at him in shock and Lilia raised a brow. "You never noticed?" He laughed lightly. Before he knew it, Silver was running out the door in the pouring rain.
Lilia of course found him eventually and brought him back, where Silver soon developed a high fever. Lilia shook his head and sighed as he gently wiped the feverish boy's head with a damp cloth. "Silly boy, you shouldn't be running out in the rain like that..." He quietly said with a faint chuckle.
Despite his smiling appearance, he couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. It was probably huge shock to him but Lilia knew he would eventually need to confront the truth.
The last time the topic was brought up was when Silver finally recovered from his fever and told him. "Even though we aren't blood related...You are still my father."
Lilia thought about how silly Silver was but felt his heart warm at what he said and just gently ruffled the boy's head in response.
He truly is silly...
Time passed and with the help of Lilia, it was soon decided to send Malleus to Night Raven College. Of course, Lilia was tasked to join him despite his age. With his seemingly youthful appearance, he could easily pass as a student without any question.
Lilia hoped that by sending Malleus to school, he would be open to new experiences and prevent him from complete isolation.
With that same idea, Lilia thought about sending Silver to NRC as well when he comes to age.
For a split second, it worried him about leaving Silver alone for a year or two while he is away with Malleus to NRC.
But that second of worry disappeared just as quick as it came. This wasn't the first time he had left him alone when he travels and he was certain Silver can take care of himself while he was away.
And so here was Lilia staring down at the silver haired 14 year old who was quietly napping under a tree. Silver looked peaceful under the shade while softly snoring.
Beside him were small forest creatures such as rabbits and squirrels, napping just as peaceful as him.
Silver always had a strange habit of sleeping where he was at the most random times. Whether it was in the house, the forest, in the middle of training, even from just standing, he would somehow end up falling asleep without meaning to.
It was actually both worrisome and amusing.
Lilia shook his head lightly with a faint smile on his face as he bent down and gently caressed his head. "Silver, its time to wake up."
Silver grumbled slightly and rolled to his side before falling asleep once again. Lilia chuckled and proceeded to poke him on the cheek. "Silver, wake up~🎵" He sang.
Silver grumbled once again before his eyes slowly opened and he looked up at Lilia with a dazed look. "Father?"
Lilia nodded. "Uhuh, its me." He grinned amusingly. Silver sat up, causing the tiny animals around to awaken as well. When they noticed the presence beside Silver, the animals immediately scampered back into the forest, leaving the two.
But not before, one or two of the animals glance back at Silver. Their noses twitching before running off.
"Uwa, Silver is so popular." Lilia teased and Silver rolled his eyes. "No, I'm not."
"Kufufu I've never seen the forest creatures adore someone as much as you. I wonder if its in your nature."
"They just follow me around for no reason. I don't know why."
"Ah, maybe its because Silver has a pretty face. I'm sure anyone would be attracted to a sleeping beauty."
"Its not like that..."
Lilia chuckled as Silver pouted. "I know its not easy with your condition but do be careful of where you sleep." He reminded as he gently patted Silver's head. "You never know the dangers around here. Although I'm certain you won't have any trouble handling them."
Silver nodded. "I will but...is there something you need, Father?"
"Oh yes, I just wanted to tell you that I will be leaving Briar Valley soon with Malleus."
"Malleus-sama? Where to?" Silver tilted his head curiously.
"To Isle of Sages. There is a magic school there which Malleus and I will be attending."
"Magic school? Is there a need for Malleus-sama to attending there?" Silver looks at him with confusion and Lilia didn't blame him for it.
Malleus was already a one of the most powerful wizard in their time. He was not just powerful but also knowledgeable in magic to the point there was nothing that school could teach him that he doesn't already know.
But still power cannot replace actual life experience.
"Of course, and soon you will be attending that school as well."
"I will?"
"Yup! When the time comes, I'll come and pick you up so I can bring you there with us."
"But why are you going there as well? Aren't you already old?" Silver continued, looking even more confused.
Lilia laughed, not at all offended. "Kufufu well I certainly can't leave the prince in unknown territory all alone, can I?" He joked, tapping on Silver's nose.
Silver nodded, though he didn't entirely understand the detail. Lilia just smiled. "I won't be here for awhile. I'll be away a lot longer than usual so will you be fine on your own?"
Silver snorted lightly. "This isn't the first time you left me alone while traveling, Father." He said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Kufufu true but this time I won't be back in a few days." Lilia said before pausing. "...will you be alright alone?"
Silver stared at him for a moment before he stood up. Lilia followed suit and noticed at that moment their height difference. Silver was already close to his height, perhaps just an inch or two shorter than him.
They were practically at eye level as the two looked into each other's eyes before Silver stretch out his arms and hugged him.
"I'll be fine, Father." Silver muttered . "There's no need to worry."
Lilia blinked but then softly chuckled. "Silly boy, I'm your father." He said, returning the embrace while patting his back. "I'm gonna worry about you whether you like it or not."
And with that said, they separated and haven't seen each other for two years.
Lilia would sometimes wonder how Silver is doing. A part of him knows Silver can take care of himself and another part of him couldn't help but worry that he gotten into trouble, especially with that hilarious loud naive energetic friend of his, Sebek.
He could already imagine the mischief those two had gotten into and he couldn't help but smile.
He had faithful served Malleus during their stay at NRC while in the same time enjoyed his time, exploring new trends such as games and music.
However it was still a challenge to get Malleus socialize with others as everyone was still too afraid to approach him, much less he anywhere near him.
But still despite the fact he was still unable to interact with others, Malleus had improved in a way as he was able to experience new things and would sometimes ask Lilia about things he had found interesting, almost like a child.
It was quite different from the bored and quiet prince Lilia knew in Briar Valley.
Seeing the improvement of Malleus, Lilia thought it was time to let Silver experience this as well.
He had always hoped for an opportunity for Silver to explore the outside world and now was the time.
So with permission from the school and from Malleus, Lilia traveled back to Briar Valley to pick Silver up.
Lilia walked through the familiar forest grounds before finally reaching the little cottage where a now 16 year old Silver was practice with a wooden sword.
Silver didn't seem to notice his presence as Lilia ever so quietly approached him from behind. When Silver finally noticed, he quickly span around and swung his wooden sword without delay.
Lilia skillfully blocked the weapon with a hand, stopping it. He held the side of the wooden sword without any difficult as the two locked eyes.
Silver blinked as he realized who it was. "Father?" He said in surprise. Lilia smiled. "Yo Silver, its been awhile."
"What are doing here and why didn't you say anything? I could've hurt you." Silver frowned and Lilia snickered. "Kufufu do you honestly believe a wooden sword like that could ever hurt me?"
Silver sighed. "Still what are you doing here?"
"How rude. Is that a way to greet your father after not see for so long?" Lilia huffed but a look of amusement in his eyes, showing that he wasn't being serious.
Silver sighed once more but smiled. "Welcome home Father. I missed you."
Lilia grinned. "Yup, I'm home Silver."
The two entered the cottage and drank tea together while taking their time catching up about the last two years.
"But why didn't you tell me you were coming back today?" Silver couldn't help but ask. Lilia took a sip of his tea and slowly placed it down. "I forgot." He admitted casually.
"Of course you did." Silver deadpanned before he took a sip of his own tea. "So you are taking me to Night Raven College today?"
"That's right so be sure to pack your bags as soon as possible since we will be leaving immediately." Lilia said in a carefree tone.
"...how about Sebek?"
"I actually saw him on the way here." Lilia said, chuckling. "He is still the same amusing kid."
The moment Sebek locked eyes on Lilia. He immediately ran up to him in full speed, meekly asking about how the young master was doing. When Lilia told him that Malleus was doing fine, Sebek burst into tears so dramatically Lilia thought he would do well as a fountain.
Lilia was suddenly reminded of the time Sebek found out Malleus and him were leaving for NRC. That boy bowed so low on the ground, he was practically kissing the floor as he begged very loudly to let him come so he can guard the young master as well.
When Lilia told him he couldn't. Sebek cried and pleaded so loudly that they gained a lot of attention in the middle of the town. Sebek was quite stubborn as he refused to move from his spot unless they allow him to join them and Lilia quite mercifully had to knock him out and send him home as they left.
"Unfortunately he can't join just yet."
This was the same thing he told Sebek, much to his dismay. Lilia explained he was there to pick up Silver and Sebek strainly asked why Silver was going and not him. Lilia's response was 'Because he is older.'
He watched Sebek fly into a rage and began dramatically yelling to the sky that it was unfair that just because he was born a year earlier, he gets the chance to be at the young master's side.
Lilia just quietly walked away as Sebek began ranting that he will work harder to prove that he can do better than Silver and that age doesn't mean anything.
"He seemed quite fired up." Lilia mused. "You'll probably see him next year since I'm certain he will come to NRC."
Lilia shook his head. "Anyways once you come to NRC, you will not only be studying but also fulfill your guard duties. So are you ready?"
Silver gave a serious expression and he nodded in determination. "Yes. I am ready."
Lilia smiled and stood up. "I'm sure you will do well."
Silver stood up as well and immediately Lilia saw their height difference once again. The last time he saw Silver, they roughly around the same height but now Silver was a head taller than him as Lilia craned his head slightly to meet his eye.
But not only that, Silver was leaner now, and outgrown the child-like features on this face. Was this really the child he picked up all those years ago...?
There was a numbing feeling in Lilia that he wasn't sure how to describe but he pushed to the back of his mind and smiled as he reached out and patted him on the shoulder.
Lilia was quite proud when Silver entered Night Raven College for the first time.
Seeing their child enter a prestigious school would make any parent proud and that was how Lilia felt as he watched Silver be sorted into Diasomnia where he and Malleus were.
When Silver came down from the stage after the Mirror announced in a booming voice "Diasomnia!", Lilia thought 'Children grow up so fast.'
In this case, human children grow too fast unlike his and Malleus’s kind who ages ever so slowly…
It was then after watching over Malleus, Silver, and eventually Sebek as they go through their days in NRC, Lilia realized this numbing feeling he had with Silver.
Anxiety and worry. As a fae, he didn't have to worry about time. They had longer lifespans than more races. They had all time in the world.
But what about humans? A lifetime for them was hardly a grain of sand to fae's lifespan.
In the next few years Lilia would probably still remain the same while Silver would age, and someday he might even look old enough be a grandfather.
Lilia was no one to think about things that were inevitable but the thought of that silvery hair turning to ash gray and that youthful face turning wrinkled and withering...it worried him.
It reminded Lilia that eventually the boy he called his son will one day disappear from this world and Lilia will still be here, looking just the same as before.
When the day comes, will he be ready to say goodbye?
Lilia...wasn't sure. He wasn't sure if he'll ever be ready.
He was soldier and a fae. He had witness people of different races die on the battlefield multiple times. He had seen people grow old and die in their bedsides. He had seen the way time affected others...
But to see the child he cared for go through that...
There were times Lilia wondered about Sebek's family. Sebek would often mention how his father was a human while his mother was fae and how they are an unusual couple.
At the time, Lilia found it fascinating how a fae could fall in love with a human. A magic-less human at that. Lilia couldn't help but wonder what his mother thought about it.
The thought about outliving a loved one...
"It must be difficult to keep living like this..."
"That's because you keep attacking without blocking, old man." Silver said with blank expression on his face as Lilia sighed heavily. The two sat in the lounge of Diasomnia with each of them holding a game console as the one of the characters in the game laid dead and above flashed 'K.O.' in the screen.
"Sometimes the best defense is offense, Silver." Lilia said as he pressed the restart. "Shall we play another one?"
Silver sighed but complied and the two ended up playing one more game. After a few minutes, Silver's character suddenly stopped in mid-action, giving Lilia the chance to punch the character and win the game.
"Silver?" When Lilia looked up, he realized Silver had fallen asleep. The console sat on his lap as he slept peacefully. Lilia smiled and moved over to him.
He took the console off his lap and adjusted Silver's form to let him lay down onto the couch. Lilia lightly placed a hand on Silver's head as he slept soundly and Lilia smiled softly.
Even though he knows the day will come when Silver will leave him and this world...
All he could do now was live in the moment and cherish his time with him. In the end of the day, Lilia is just glad to have a wonderful son like him.
"Good night Silver."