A Drop of Moonlight

Chapter 13: Morning

Denise would not admit that she is sulking. Not at all. She is only a little upset and feeling a little useless.

Rufus proved himself to be a great travel companion. With him around there was really no problem where they would sleep nor do they need to worry about an unsafe evening. And to think that he is quite skilled in handling feral children as well, Denise simply doesn't know where else the guy is excellent with.

With resentment brewing deep in her chest, Denise felt that cooking during those times was difficult and hard. Her heart was simply not into the task at hand. And this made her unable to make a great dish no matter how excellent the ingredients she gathered.

Perhaps the only saving grace during meal times was that Rufus did not comment about the difference in her dish. He is tactful at times like this. He was more than considerate that she was feeling bad in throwing a childish tantrum.

(—Rufus says to her sometime in the near future that her reactions are understandable and excusable as she was but a child at that time. That there is no need to beat herself over it. Everyone at some point did foolish things and grew out of it.)

The child was no doubt fascinated with Rufus' display and has been sticking on him as much as possible. However, Rufus made it clear that he does not really like the child and was only looking after him because of Denise. Despite the child doing all sorts of efforts to get close to the elf, Rufus made a line and did not engage more than necessary.

Perhaps the only good thing that came out of that night was that Denise was able to get the child's name. While she had concluded he is related to someone she knew, the confirmation hits quite differently. After all, that guy's bloodline is too precious and each child born is protected and cherished like no other.

The child's name was Harold Degrande. Possessing the typical features of a Degrande, he is a stubborn brown-brat who looks at the world with gray eyes. Unlike most of the Degranes, his eyes has a green sheen on them, a trait that foretold that he is the heir of the family and its future master.

Degrandes is one of the few generational families of magic users. Never did they fail to produce an outstanding magic wielder. They are an elusive people whom Denise's family got to know due to certain circumstances.

A child of such a background, there is no simple reason for his fascination with Rufus and his magic. They are drawn to magic and hold a manic passion towards them. And with Denise not showing any capabilities to using the said magic, it is no question why she is ignored like air by the child.

Denise was irritated, but learned to let go. Harold is only a child. Children are honest in this way and she understands that.

The night ended pleasantly despite the hiccups. Denise got a dreamless sleep. She also did wake in the middle of the night to defend their camp.

"Morning!" Denise said as she yawned.

"Morning as well." Responded Rufus. Reaching out a hand, he patted the bed hair sticking out of her head. "You need a brush to fix your hair."

"...do you realize that I have no brush in my luggage right?" Denise said as she absentmindedly walked to the side and fetched the water canteen. "There is no comb as well. The impact of the crash has rendered my hair maintenance into tiny pieces of what they used to be."

"Still as a girl you should at least take care of your appearance." Rufus replied knowing how bad the carriage's condition was back then.

"I have no objection to that. But that would depend if I have the luxury to pamper myself." Denise defended herself. She admits that even with tools, she does not really like to care for herself other than the necessary womanly expectations. Making herself pretty and whatnot is something she abhor doing because she sees it not too useful or worth the effort.

Rufus was momentarily silent before he waved his hand and an ornate delicate comb appeared in his hands. With a silent command, he had Denise sit on a log. Quite used to it after living with him for a few months, Denise sat beside the elf.

Without a word, Rufus carefully combed Denise's hair. With every contact with the comb and her scalp, Denise was feeling drowsy once more. Every combing session is a relaxing affair. It was unknown when it started, but has gotten used to this treatment and with this practice. It is like a habit now, and Denise was more than happy to indulge as long as Rufus is willing.

"No sleeping Denise." Rufus said as he noticed the girl's closed eyes. "We need to get moving. Your young charge is not safe out here nor are you."

"Such a mood killer." Denise pouted, but did not make much fuss. After all, they do need to leave as fast as possible. There were too many variables and they were already lucky not to be attacked by any stray assassins. Better not push their luck than they already do.