Miraric

19| Still a Boy.

Eris' father, Jeril, was a strict man — and with being a teacher of swordsmanship for more than two decades, being strict wasn't a choice for him — it became an obligation to always maintain strict discipline. So, when he saw his own daughter with someone that he'd taken in as his disciple seven years ago coming home at midnight, he found himself grabbing them by their ears and trudging them forward while they let out shrieks of pain.

Eris tried to loosen her father's grip on her ear, but to no avail as she only made it worse. "Father, I—" she screamed again, a bit exaggerating now. "Ouch," she exclaimed, still trying hard to get away but gave up eventually.

Edric remained quiet all while Eris continued her hysterical scream and tried to apologise but doubted if his master even heard any of it due to Eris' loud voice.

"One job," Jeril said, finally letting them go as Eris let out a huge sigh of relief while Edric had his head bent down. "You two had one job," he said, shaking his head, the white streaks between his dark hair glistening due to the moonlight as a frown plastered upon his wrinkled skin. "Return home by midnight!"

Eris sighed. "We are fine. Besides, we are both strong enough to protect ourselves. Resrei has his seven renèi Possessions and I have my three Possessions. It's enough—"

Jeril cut her off, giving her a dark look. "Those won't stand a chance if you encounter an Ezèrian!"

"Resrei can—"

"Ezèrian are godly! They're monstrous! One Ezèrian is enough to kill both of you," Jeril raised his voice.

"Why do you always do this?" Eris said, her voice low as she took deep breaths, clenching her jaw. "Why do you always think we are too weak to protect ourselves? Why do you—"

"Eris," Edric took her hand in his, pressing it lightly as Eris looked over her shoulder, giving him a confused look but her expression softened when she realised what Edric meant.

"I am sorry, father," she said, her head inclined along with Edric as he said the next words.

"I apologise, Master Jeril. We were being irresponsible. This won't happen again,"

Jeril gave a curt nod and turned around, walking towards the cottage where they resided. "Very well. Now come home. The food is getting cold,"

Eris rolled her eyes and ambled towards her father as they both entered their home while Edric chuckled seeing Eris' attempts to ease Jeril's anger. He also followed them with a soft smile.

***

"Well?" Jeril asked once they'd began to dine on the floor, a small table placed there with food all cooked by Jeril himself. Edric sat beside Eris, while Jeril was seated parallel to them and began pouring water into the wooden mugs. "What took you two so long?"

Eris was too occupied with consuming the sizzling meat that was placed on her plate by her father, completely oblivious of what her father was saying. Edric took a look at her, sighed and decided to talk instead.

"We met someone from the palace," Edric said, nervous of what his teacher was about to comment on that. He knew his teacher wasn't fond of anyone from the palace as they served the tyrant king albeit ironically, he, also served him as a subject.