A New Life [TbatexTensura] REWRITE!

Vol 1 Ch 11: A Life In The Woods

Alice Leywin POV:

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Much has changed in my life over the last few years. The first change was my relationship with Reynolds, it was an unexpected but welcome addition to my life. The life of an adventurer can be quite dangerous and we expected a child, so the natural step was to retire.

Our home was small, it was by no means anything grand or filled with decadence. It was quaint, peaceful and homey. It was a nice small cottage where it seemed as if we were the only ones in the world. This is also part due to the town we reside in 'Ashber'. It's by no means a large town, its existence started as a small outpost near the northern edge of Sapin bordering the Elshire Forest and the Kingdom of Elenoir. Though eventually it turned into a small town mainly inhabited by retired adventurers or people who wanted to get away from the big cities.

I like my life as it is, and the addition of our son, Arthur. That added another light to my life- his birth heralded a change in my perspectives; somewhat. Being a mother is by no means an easy task, but it's beautiful. It's beautiful witnessing the growth of your own kin- of my son.

The moments I saw him laugh and smile, they all repeat in my mind endlessly. Each milestone he reaches marks a moment and stark realization that life passes quicker than one would expect. I do feel somewhat saddened seeing him grow up so fast, yet I also can't help but feel immense pride in seeing his development.

It's a thankless job, being a mother. Yet it's a job I'd not trade for anything in the world. To be a mother, and a wife. These titles are badges of honor I wear. Badges that mean more than anything to me, more than prestige, fame, acclaim, notoriety. They are titles I would give up anything to keep.

I love my family, and the life I live. Yet my family isn't only limited to Reynolds, and my son. We have Rimuru. I'd happily introduce Rimuru as my nephew- he's a sweet boy; he;s patient, kind, rational, and understanding. But he's been through a lot despite his life barely being in its first chapters.

We-the Twin Horns- found him coincidentally one day in the heart of the Beast Glades. He was drenched in blood, his eyes expressing an intricate tapestry of emotions. Each woven together in a jumbled mess but the most clear was a sense of loss and inherent madness. A child likely no older than 4, yet it seemed as if he saw the entire world as an inexcusable hellscape.

He was so young yet he'd already witnessed the horrors of the world- likely even more than he had told us. The first meeting with him was quite memorable. He seemed ready to fight us as we approached him. A child is supposed to be protected- a notion I understood inherently but now as a mother I truly understand- they are to be shielded from the dark secrets of the world and society until they can stand truly on their own feet. Yet here he was, aware and cautioned to those who should be protecting his innocence and sanctity.

As a parent I know the one line all parents share to their child- a line even teachers echo. 'Don't talk to strangers. But if you need help find a trusted adult.' Rimuru upon meeting us, despite the evident shock filling our faces, was on guard- he had no reason to trust any adults. No it would be better to say- he'd lost all trust in adults.

He ended up coming with us after a complicated situation and one of our party members Jasmine- the youngest. Adopted him, it was uncanny the resemblance they shared. Not only conveniently in appearance but in character and outlook. Jasmine became Rimuru's mother- an experience she told me was tiring yet rewarding. I hadn't understood what she meant truly until I had Art. After the adoption for Rimuru the Twin Horns became family- his aunts and uncles, it's why during missions he stays with Reynolds and I.

Being an adventurer is a dangerous job- it pays but it's not a safe job. Certainly not a job safe enough to let a child follow you around. Yet Rimuru is no ordinary kid- a notion all the Twin Horns would agree with. Due to that Jasmine has an unconventional method to raise Rimuru- her son.