20. Uncle Thalvarin
The crackles of fire was the sound that first called to the slumbering young prince along with the warmth that came with it, the memories of the previous battle jarred him awake. He could hear the sound of iron scraping iron. He gave a weak grunt as he opened his eyes to see the roof of a building made entirely of thick leaves that had been sewn so thick that it actually passed for a real roof. His head was still heavy but it was at least much better that it was before, he could breath much better and the air did not freeze his lungs as before.
Eryndor realized that he was on a soft bed, a thick blanket covered him up. Seeing as he was in unfamiliar grounds he pushed himself up and surveyed the room, it was not too small, it also wasn't too big either. There was only one window and it seemed to be out of his reach, despite the signs of snow blowing outside none of it seemed to be able to penetrate into the room. He was at least grateful for that.
Aside from his luggages positioned at a corner of the room it was almost empty, except the bed and a small shelf.
Thinking over the things that happened before he passed out he managed to come to a conclusion. "That huge gorilla man was my uncle? He really is a beast, seeing as he has not eaten me yet, I suggest the rumours are false then?" He stroke his chin and mumbled.
A moment later a deep throaty voice boomed from behind and jolting him. "Ohoho! I might still eat you boy when I develop my appetite."
Jumping forward to the edge of the bed out of fright he caught sight of his huge hulking figure for once. He really was a mass of muscle and fibre, now he could see his face much clearly. He had a wide face and broad jawline, his face had lost most of its colour perhaps due to the fact that he stayed in the cold mountain region for too long. He had a small patch of white beard around his mouth and jalwine. Long strands of braided silver hair fell down his back, he had unquestionable blue eyes. In a way he looked very much like Eryndor's father except huger, bulkier and for an odd reason happier.
"So there's my little nephew, my are you a beauty. Do you perhaps use baby lotion for that adorable mug you call a face?" His uncle said jokingly followed by a barrage of laughter.
Eryndor rolled his eyes, he was still afraid but a little relieved. "So you are not a child gobbling detrimental demon?"
"A child gobbling detri—?" His uncle paused before laughing even harder and hitting his chest so hard it frightened the young prince. "What on earth are you saying? A majority of demons have green and blue hairs but only the holy elves have this silver hair colour. You really made me laugh boy."
Eryndor paused and muttered under his breath. "That makes some sense, I guess."
Thalvarin smiled and turned to leave ducking his head as he passed through the doorway. "Don't sit there like a sissy, I've got a meal ready. Thalor's here too."
Eryndor beamed with joy for the first time. "Thalor? He really made it!" Why was he glad over his guard surviving anyway? It was an entirely new feeling for him to have towards someone who was not related to him.
Thalvarin smiled and said before vanishing into the room. "That old man, he won't be going anywhere anytime soon."
Eryndor heaved a sigh of relief and after a few minutes he left the room into a small passageway that led to a spacious living room. Using his nose as a guide he found his way to the dining where two figures sat on what looked hand made wooden stools with good structure.
One was his uncle Thalvarin and the other was Thalor who was wrapped in multiple layers of blankets and looking very ill.
They both looked at him. Thalor gestured to him, "Young lord, I see you're awake."
Thalvarin turned back to his meal which looked to be a the thighs of a huge boar. He started to gobble them down at a surprising speed. Thalor seemed to have some warm soup that carried a distinguishing thick smell which was no doubt medicinal.
Not needing an invitation Eryndor walked to one of the free seats and met with a plate of steak, the aroma of the hot steaming smell filled his lungs and made his mouth water. "Meat, actual meat." He fantasized as he savoured it.
Thalvarin laughed again. "Way to sliver boy."
Eryndor did not mind him and instead enjoyed the meal. After he had finished eating, they were all mostly done with Thalor still consuming his soup. It was mostly quiet and Eryndor now regaining himself was no fan of quiet so he spoke up. "Uncle Thalvarin do you live here, alone?" That seemed like a good way to start.
His uncle looked at him his eyes studying the young elf prince for a moment before saying. "Infact I do. You are probably wondering how I came to be here, actually it's a very long story. I got bored of life in the castle and chose to live a life of isolation and better advance my magic."
Eryndor's waited for a while but there was nothing more. "Is that it? You said it was a long story."
His uncle grinned showing his perfect row of white teeth, "It was longer in my head though."
Eryndor cursed under his breath. "So my dad sent me here. What am I going to be doing here?"
He had finally let the question off his chest now he awaited the reply, Thalvarin raised his head and said in a sombre tone. "Nothing." He did not give the young prince anything more to dwell on.
This left Eryndor enraged causing him to throw a tantrum. "What do you mean nothing? Did I travel all the way here for nothing?"
"Beats me, how the hell am I supposed to know what you're doing here?" Thalvarin chuckled. "Your dad only asked me to take you in, that's all."
Eryndor banged his fists on the table and locked eyes with his uncle. "I can't stay here and do nothing. I have to become stronger and better at magic. If you won't help me then I'll leave."
Thalvarin raised an eyebrow and gave him a questioning look. "I was thinking it would take at least a week with the personality I was told you had but it seems you already chose your path before I even needed to lift a finger."
Eryndor's face beamed with joy. "So you'll teach me?"
Thalvarin grinned. "Only after your recover." He could not help but think his uncle's tone his a different, much darker meaning to it.
"Really?" Eryndor could not help but jump for joy. "Finally some good news."
Before he got too ahead of himself the left eye pitched in:
["Don't forget that I'm your master you ungrateful disciple"]
Eryndor ignored the voice and laughed on happily.