Glory For Mankind | AOT [book 1]

Ch.1:Promise

It all started in the year 828, in a small house within a town in the Shiganshina District.

"You're doing great, Edna. Almost there!"

"Just a little more!"

Screams of pain wrecked through the house, only for it to cease once the sound of a wailing baby filled the room. There were cheers of joy as one of the maidens carried the newborn to a basin of water, washing away the blood that covered the delicate skin.

Another maiden helped wrap the newborn in a small blanket before gently carrying the baby over to the new mother. "Congratulations, Edna. You've been blessed with a son."

The exhausted woman, who had spent hours in pain from labor, rolled her head over towards the young maiden, smiling weakly. She gazed at the bundle of joy, extending her hand to gently stroke the back of her fingers against his cheek. With tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks, she reached her arms out, ready to hold her baby boy in her arms.

The maiden transferred him into the mother's waiting arms. "What are you going to name him?"

Edna smiled, her eyes never leaving the boy's gentle face. "Ruvik. His name will be Ruvik."
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A few months rolled by, a vibrant young woman with long brown hair and dark eyes was walking in the market, which was located in the populated more District of Shiganshina, purchasing food for dinner. A man working at a fruit stand noticed her walking by. "Mornin' Edna!"

"Oh, good morning!" She greeted back.

"How is the baby? Not driving you nuts, I hope." He chuckled.

Edna laughed. "No, he's fine. Matt's been a big help when it comes to watching him while I run my errands."

"That's a relief, you heading home?"

"Indeed, I am."

"Alright, take care then!"

Carrying her basket of food, Edna weaved her way through the crowds, slipping into a back alley, making her way to her beloved small home. She had bought just enough ingredients with the money from her job at the bar and from some of the money sent to her by her dear Alfred. He was going to visit tonight, and she needed to make sure everything was perfect. An enjoyable dinner and some quality time with the forbidden family of three.

When Edna safely arrived home, she closed the door behind her and placed her basket on the table. She turned around when she heard the old wooden steps to the second floor creak behind her. Greeted by her childhood friend, Matt. "Welcome home, Edna."

"Thank you, Matt. I appreciate you looking after Ruvik. I managed to grab everything I needed."

"Not a problem. The boy wasn't hard to put down for a nap. Are all babies like this? I expected it to be more difficult." Matt chuckled. "Honestly, Edna. You're a lucky woman."

Edna thanked him again, her heart warmed by his words. After he left for work, she walked up the stairs to the second floor, entering through the nursery room. In a crib in the corner of the room was her beloved son. She walked over to the crib and gently scooped him up in her arms. The child cooed as his mother cradled him in her embrace. With her free hand, she grabbed a rather large basket with many blankets inside and made her way down to the main floor. She placed the basket on the table, gently laying Ruvik inside.

She smiled softly at the gorgeous sight sight of her son. Her little boy. This little bundle of joy is her most precious treasure, that she swears to do whatever she must to protect him.

"Your daddy is coming over tonight, isn't that exciting?"

Her baby son let out high-pitched coos as he tried to reach his mother's face. She held out her pinky for him to grab instead, smiling at how small his hands were compared to the finger they wrapped around.