Capítulo 36: Chapter 30

Ling's mother had managed to find an older robe that was white with blue trips that hung along with the skirt. It was something the Village Elders daughter had when she was young but was tossed out when she outgrew it.

Ling's mother had found it among the other outfits that were thrown out, usually, the poorer families would go through them and reuse what they could. She'd managed to snatch it before the other women saw it.

It fit Ai rather well, and Mrs. Haru was going to use it to make new baby clothes since the fabric was much softer than a lot of the other fabrics she had gathered. But Seeing Ai, her heart was rather pleased with him wearing it.

Ai gave a bright smile as he patted the skirt down, looking up at the older lady with a very pleasing look. "Thank you so much, ma'am."

Mrs. Haru smiled as she nodded, patting Ai's head. "No trouble at all. Now, let me get some dinner on. Ling said you'll be staying here tonight and that he's going to show you around the village."

Ai blinked a few times, tilting his head to the side before looking at Ling. He wasn't sure what the male told his mother, but she was led to believe that Ai would be remaining with them for a few days.

Ling smiled as he came over, taking Ai's hand as to lead him about the village. It wasn't large, and most of the folks that lived there were older men and women, there were very little younger adults or children. This was due to the hardships of this village. Most who were of reasonable age would leave to find better jobs, while those who stayed just grew older.

The elders of the village didn't seem opposed to Ai being around, and a lot of them doted on him. He was rather adorable, and though some kids grew up here, a lot would often pass away early on due to hunger or illnesses. There weren't any doctors around for miles.

After returning to Ling's house, Ai met the boys' father, who was a bulky man with a heavy beard. He looked more like a bear than a person, to be honest. It was odd how a petite woman was able to be with such a large male. Mrs. Haru was like a soft cloud with grace and motherly bearing, while Mr. Haru was more like a boar that was sturdy and stubborn.

Though Mr. Haru was like this, he really did have a large heart. He made sure Ai had enough to eat that night, despite the lack of food. Having taken less of his own portion just to make sure the two boys were able to eat their fill.

Ai found it odd seeing the family struggle to eat when there was so much food in the forest. Not to say meat of spirit beasts, but there were plenty of fruits and veggies.

When Ling showed Ai to his room, which was just a small space in the shake with a blanket to make a wall, Ai sat down on the straw bed as he thought for a moment.

"Why is there so little food?" he then asked Ling. It made no sense to him. With the forest to provide what was needed, this town should be rather lively.

Ling sat down, sighing. "It's due to the spirit beasts. We got lucky due to none of the bigger ones being around. But no one here is able to fight them. We are all unable to cultivate. Those who can are often taken out of the village to join sects or the army." he started shaking his head.

"So how were you able to stay safe there? You...I'm pretty sure even in that fox form of yours, you are one of the smallest. You should have been eaten by the larger ones right?" he asked. It really was odd, many times Ling had seen the brutal way the larger beasts treat the smaller ones.

Ai frowned as he gave a confused look. Sure spirit beasts weren't nice to one another unless of the same clan, but Ai was different. It was a taboo to harm him. Those spirit beasts that tried to possess him would suffer a great deal before getting the benefits so he never worried about them.

It wasn't like he could explain this to Ling, however. Though he was able to tell that this family and town was a quiet place with nice people. He still wasn't sure what they'd do when they found out who he really was. His existence was something many wished to possess. The uses he had were many.

"Um, just think of it as an agreement. I won't bother them then, they won't bother me," he stated with a shrug.

Ling stared at him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But I didn't know they make agreements," he stated with a sigh.

Ai laughed. "Depends on the beasts, and if the one in charge finds you pleasing enough," he stated as if it was normal.

Ling nodded, that made more sense to him. He was used to that type of situation, it's like the sect leaders or the emperor dealing with those below them.

"Anyways, how about tomorrow I show you something for showing me around," Ai said as he laid back. He was used to the forest, so it was odd laying in the bed, it took him a few tries to get comfy.

Ling got situated himself, turning to look at Ai, "Show me what?" he asked.

"It's a surprise." with that, Ai snuggled into a spare blanket that Mrs. Haru had given him. Wanting to get some rest.

Ling pressed his lips together before shrugging, tucking himself in before looking at Ai's sleeping face. His heart skipped for a moment as he thought of always being able to see Ai when he slept, but even though Ling was at the age to start noticing things like love or attraction. Ai was still too young. He pushed the thoughts away and forced himself to get some sleep.

comentário 11 comentário

Votar

ENVIAR PRESENTE

Load failed, please RETRY