Arias plunges his fangs into the beast's neck and begins to feed. His need for blood wasn't as great as other vampires, but it was still nice to have every once in a while, to sate his appetite or as a delicacy.

He thought of picking up a random human to feed on, but then that lady came to mind. She still treated him with care, so, like a gentleman, he would have to return the courtesy. Since he was traveling with her, Arias had to consider things from her perspective as well; what would she think if I fed on passing merchants and the roaming warriors? Somewhat unaware of it, Arias was making room for Myriam in his life, just as Myriam was making room for him.

Damn, troll’s blood is great. The things are quite ugly but their blood is even better than human blood. Gotta store some of this for later… Arias thinks as he has his fill.

Satiated and a little drunk, Arias releases the troll. He lets out several heavy breaths as his heartbeat calms. Like sex on a beach… With a troll… Arias thinks, feeling rejuvenated.

Arias wipes his mouth and then goes about draining the rest of the troll’s blood for later…

…

…

Myriam opens her eyes and in her arms, she felt the boy’s sleeping body. Myriam lays her head down once more with a smile as she lingers on the experience. Yesterday, the boy had told him his name. Arias. It was a beautiful name.

And likewise, she told him her name. The boy had said it was an old lady’s name. Myriam lets out a chuckle at the thought, and her hand moved once more to ruffle the boy’s hair.

“Hey!” Arias exclaims, moving away from Myriam’s hand.

Myriam smirks. “Come on, kid. Get up. We should be at the capital in the afternoon.” She says as she sits up.

…

…

The carriage strolls through the city gates and Arias sticks his head out of the window to have a look around. City’s not bad. Arias thinks, somewhat appreciating the atmosphere.

“What do you think?” Myriam asks as the boy sits back down.

“Hmm. It’s lively.” Arias says.

“Is that a good thing?” Myriam asks with an amused smile.

“Maybe.” Arias says.

“In the afternoon maybe we’ll see a play. If there’s a show on today.” Myriam says.

Arias raises an eyebrow. “A play? What game?” He asks.

“You know, a play. Actors will get on stage and play out a story.” Myriam says.

Arias’ eyes widen, interest expressed on his face. “A story? That’s wonderful! I want to go.” He says eagerly.

Myriam lets out a smile. What a strange boy. More interested in baking and plays, then swords or magic. She thinks, getting to know Arias little by little. “Of course we’ll go. But we have to see my family first, then we’ll rest at home for a while.” She says as her expression softens. Hopefully they’re more accepting of this than I expect them to be. She thinks with some worry.

…

…

“Myriam! Darling! You’re home!” A graceful, older lady says as she approaches with wide open arms.

Myriam smiles and embraces her mother, lingering on her familiar perfume and soft clothes. “Mom. I’m back.” She says.

“Come into the parlor. I’ll have tea served, we can talk all about — Hmm, who’s this?” Myriam’s mother asks with a raised eyebrow.

Myriam pushes the boy forward and puts on a brave face. “Mother, this is my son.” She says, bracing herself.

“Your son!?” Myriam’s mother exclaims.

“Your son?” Arias asks with wide eyes.

“Your son?” An older man says as he walks into the room.

Myriam sighs and bows her head slightly. “Hello, father.” She says politely.

“Hmm.” Myriam’s father says as he walks closer. He bends down and begins to examine the boy’s face, using a hand to move it about into different angles.

Normally, Arias would react violently to this disrespect, but he was still somewhat dazed. Is that… Is that our relationship? Arias wonders, considering what that meant.

“Hmm. This is not my grandson. He’s too pretty. The men in my family are warriors not dolls.” He says as he stands back up.

Myriam frowns. “I don’t care how you see it! This is my son!” She exclaims.

“Myriam!” Myriam’s mother exclaims. That’s not how she raised her children to speak to their father.

Myriam’s father lets out a chuckle. “Fine, if you say he’s my grandson, then he’s my grandson. I won’t argue with you.” He says before stepping away. “I have some business at the castle with my brother. I’ll be back in the evening.” He says as he begins to exit the house.

Myriam’s mother lets out a sigh. This will have to examined more closely. She thinks as she looks to the boy. “What’s his name?” She asks.

Myriam smiles. “His name is Arias.” She says.

Myriam’s mother grabs onto the boy’s hand. “Come then, Myriam. Let’s go inside and chat.” She says as she leads the way.