Death and Tide

[Mirach]

"We know about your father," Death said. "We don't want to bring any harm to him." He closed his eyes, fighting a wave of pain himself.

[VisAnastasis]

If not pain, at least obvious weariness didn't escape the child's attention. Instead of Tide, he seemed to have first crafted a tea for Spirit.
" Let's then... continue the talk after you feel better. Let it not be known the son of my father was a bad host in face of adversity, " he smiled a little then and poured a lot of their special honey into the wide bowl fit for easy drinking for a snake. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCFMmOR5Z4A " Here, indulge me, please... " he offered. " It'll do you good to have something healthy... We don't have much meat, I fear, sweet friends, but we take great pride in our plants and honey. This is my father's recipe. "

[Mirach]

The snake first sniffed the liquid with his forked tongue, and then he started to drink from the bowl, too weary and beyond caring for distrust.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide supported the bowl from aside so Death could drink plentifully and seemed eased - nobody seeing Tide's worry and responsiveness to Death's weakness could think there was anything more complex that care behind them ( perception 2 ) so he took aside questions for now, and went to fireplace to put kettle to make tea for demon and himself last.
Death's tea was strong and had the distinct scent of mint and strawberries, and lots of undertones of strange unknown plants sprinkled through it. Honey melted within the tea also had a rather soothing and strong taste, and the recipe, mixed as it was, was rather soothing and calming thanks to it, too.

[Mirach]

Death drank from it slowly, but gradually emptied the whole bowl. He then laid his head down, watching Emil as he prepared more tea for himself and Tide.

[VisAnastasis]

It was a reassuring act for Emil, to make teas - something he was good at and was proud to offer to his guests. He made tea for Tide and himself from the same kettle, and when offered a glass, at last, demon sipped from it and seemed a little surprised.
" It is rather... calming. Is this the tea recipe for demons that Svarik and Erdel brought to the sea? It's ... wonderful. I didn't get a chance to taste it yet, but Erdel was delighted by it. "
" It's just a very mild variation. My father's humble recipe too. " he smiled a little bit. " It would be a disservice to you, to make you strong doze when you could face danger unexpectedly, sweet sir Tide. You want to be at full strength. But if I may say so, that other hand of yours look quite tense, and I figured very mild version may help calm you, so you may unclench it a little. I drink it too, no judgement. " he smiled a little. " I am not a demon, but since half my parenthood is from that side, it helps calm my nerves. "

[Mirach]

"We hoped to ask if we could get some healing supplies here," Dead tied in on that. "Bandages and balms for burns especially..."

[VisAnastasis]

" I am not familiar with how medical supplies look in the outside world these days, I fear, but we do weave our own bandages, and we have a big indoors garden where we grow all kind of plants, both from these forests and species we've developed al on our own. " Emil beamed suddenly. " I have a couple good soothing balms, but if you'd like, we could go to our gardens, and we can pick out the best herbs, and I can prepare balm from them during the night if so pleases you. We grow lots of special vegetables and fruit throughout the whole year, too, so may I interest you in some good snacks? I shan't be greedy whatever plant you like, you can eat from. "

[Mirach]

"That would be most helpful, thank you," Death said with relief.

[VisAnastasis]

The relief seemed to please the child, and it grinned a little bit - aware of their relative poverty, it must have been a pleasure to be able to offer them something they really needed, as laws of hospitality seemed most worshipped in his home.
" Good. If you're up for it, we may go as soon as your friend finishes his tea. " his look fell upon empty bowl of Death's drink. " Oh, you've finished? Would you maybe like some more too? I imagine warmth must feel nice to cold-blooded form. "
" Oh, don't worry, I have a bit of warming powers, so I keep the air around him warm. " Tide explained readily. " But if he'd like a tea, it'd be very kind of you. We've flown a long way, I fear we didn't have much time to eat and rest, sweet Emil. "

[Mirach]

"I would like more of it after we take care of the supplies, if I may," Death said.

[VisAnastasis]

" Of course, that may be best. So, what about that puppy, then? He doesn't seem quite like a Being to me. Are you a Being, little one? " he looked at the puppy peeking out from the bag with some interest. " Would you like some tea, too? "
" Oh, actually, it is something I wanted to ask you about. Our visit was unplanned, but his visit wasn't... You see, I have a little hobby, of breeding immortal dogs immune to corruption and miasma, for my friends who are ill from it. This one is last from the batch, though, and has no owner yet. When little Svarik told me of your father, I've thought he might be a perfect keeper for him. It's a decision between the two of them, of course, if they like each other, but I wished to offer it to him... "
" A gift for father? " Emil seemed dumbfounded for the first time, left speechless by something so thoughtful coming from a complete stranger. He seemed a little shy suddenly, and he caressed the little thing behind the ear, watching as it licked its hand right away, although as shyly - there clearly seemed at least that there was no trick to it, but it was a coincidence hard to wrap the mind around.

[Mirach]

Death had no credit in bringing the puppy, so he remained quiet, although he enjoyed watching the interaction.

[VisAnastasis]

Emil was clearly enchanted by the thought of having an animal companion around, even more, such sweet gentle one as this seemed to be, for it didn't try to bite, just leaned into the touch, woofing softly. Child laughed.
" Even your woofs are shy, little one. That's okay. Father's shy too... " he looked back at Tide a little unsure. " Would it really be okay...? " he asked quietly. " My father lives in the other fort, and there's a lot of miasma there, you see. It'd be so lovely if the father could have some company... but we used to try to keep birds at first days, but they just couldn't stand so much of it for longer and would die off. Humans staying with him for longer than a couple days would start to get sick. I don't want that for him... "
" Do not fret. Miasma won't hinder its growth. It's resilient to it, and the only thing that matters is how much he's loved. As long as they are beloved, they can grow as big as a horse! It's still rather young, so it's not that tall, but in time, I hope it will... "
" Oh, really? That's quite a lot... I don't know if we'd be able to feed a horse sized pup... "
" Oh, no, they don't have to eat. Only a bit of every meal with their master - they can feel miserable if feeling excluded. But they can alternate between their younger forms, anyway, appearing tiny or big. This one is its younger form right now. What do you say, little Eight? Want to show our sweet host your current size? "
Pup understood the simple command, and it woofed, just as Emil said, in a shy sounding way, timidly leaving the bag as well. It transformed as it hopped on the ground, and even if he was only up to hip of a grown man, he was much bigger in the eyes of ten-year-old appearing child, and certainly a delight, with its soft fluffy fur. Emil seemed delighted and not knowing what to say,  digesting all that was said, and imagining if maybe, maybe his father won't be so lonely anymore, with something so cuddly and soft, wagging its tail of energetically and friendly.  
" You're wonderful, little one... Such a bundle of joy... " he whispered, and he couldn't keep himself, and he hugged the animal lightly, and it seemed surprised, but leaned into his touch, as it was a pleasant surprise to be admired so much. " I hope you'll like my dad..."

[Mirach]

"It seems he likes you already..." Death said with a smile, distracted from his pain and weariness by the interaction.

[VisAnastasis]

" I don't know he just seems to have too glowing personality not to like someone that pets him. Don't you, little one?" Child grinned, forgetting their ordeal for a moment with the timid gentleness of the animal that seemed to suite him well, liking that it nuzzles its head against him. While Tide finished his tea, Emil split his own, giving half to the pup, letting it drink from it's own cup, a gesture animal seemed to enjoy, just as much as petting and attention.

[Mirach]

"It will be a relief if he can stay here safely," Death said, rather fond if the critter himself, even though he liked cats more than dogs.

[VisAnastasis]

" Even if... Even if he doesn't get along with father... Could he at least maybe stay here a while, anyway? " Emil bid a little timidly as if fearing such gentle companion would be gone too soon. " I'd hate the thought of him going around with you with pursuit behind your backs, kind guests. In the worst case, we could keep him safe here, until it's safe enough for you to return for him... You and your friend are adults, and Xia is strong at least. But he is so... soft... " he caressed the pup protectively. " He wouldn't stand a chance against demon hunters. "
" I have a good feeling about this one. He already seems to like you, and it seems he'll get plenty of love as a center of attention around here... " Tide smiled a little bit. " But in case it doesn't work out, yes... I'd be more peaceful in any case, knowing he doesn't have to put himself to the danger we have to. Those dogs are indeed wonderful, but like every dog, they're too loyal for their own good, in such dangerous times... It's a good dog, kind host, deserving of a lot of love. "
" It really is... " Emil smiled slowly and hopefully. " If, if it chooses to stay, be assured, it will be beloved here. It's been so long since we had animals around other than bees, huh! There are people born here that have never seen an animal before Svarik came, with his little fennec fox and cat. They'll all love him, and love you for this. You could visit us any time you like. " he promised fervently, bowing his head lightly to the two of them. " Our doors are always open to you, kind guests, as much as they are to little Xia. "

[Mirach]

"Maybe you shouldn't give such promises before knowing more about us," Death said with a sad snile. "I will not hold you to it."

[VisAnastasis]

" I see. I just think, if you permit me so, that life is too short for distrust. Someone somewhere will betray you sooner or later, anyway, whether you are kind or unkind to them. But Xia likes you and trusts you, and she brought you here, with trust that I will take you in. " Emil smiled a little bit more wonderingly, as fox child stood up and nuzzled him from behind at the mention of her name, clearly affectionate and unafraid of him. " She calls my father her uncle... So she is my little sister in a way, " he said with warmth. " What kind of brother would disappoint a face like that? I've known the risk from the moment I've taken you... But had I gave in to fear, I'd befriend neither little Svarik nor little Xia, not sweet Erdel whom I care for so dearly. I admit I had my doubts when you came in, though, of course, do forgive me, kind guests... " he apologized. " We made a deal with Svarik that he doesn't reveal us to the outside world, to protect my father, you see. When I saw you at the door, with little Xia, but neither young king nor Erdel around and all... Something just... felt wrong for some reason... "

[Mirach]

Death just sighed. "It's a complicated situation. Please, do not blame Svarik and Erdel."

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, they did not tell on you for malice, but compassion. " Tide added. " Svarik just wondered since I know a lot of Beings if I know someone that could help you. I did hope to meet you one day, but it's pure coincidence it happened now. Without Xia, who knows if we'd be able to even find this place... She really is a smart girl. But she also brought us out of goodwill. She meant no harm to you... "

" Oh, my poor guests... Nobody can really help us, I fear, in the long run. " Emil smiled a little sadly. " It's not a bad life here... We need no pity...  But your effort is appreciated. " he shook his head, and waved away, with simple, yet confident dignity. " That is why you are welcome. You are not putting the sword to our throats. You are not responsible for the violence of people that pursue you. You are people in need of shelter and compassion, too. " he smiled a little. " Us, people in need, must support each other. I can not lie to you - hospitality is important for me, for in this place, I have little power to help, but to shelter people that come across from the treacherous forest. But you're a friend of our friends, and you bring gifts and kindness with you... Sir Svarik really is talkative... but I am glad, still. " he admitted. " Had he not, and had Xia not, you'd have been out alone, maybe at night, unaware of the danger, with no medical supplies... They did well to tell you. "

[Mirach]

Death wanted to disagree with the point of not being responsible for the violence of those that follow them, but he didn't say anything. It seemed to him that revealing himself now would not help anyone, only put unnecessary worry and fear into their hosts. "Indeed," he said. "Our chances would be slimmer, if we didn't know about you."

[VisAnastasis]

It was a rather neutral reply, without much feeling to it, but Emil's guard was lowered down by pleasant interaction with Xia and the dog, so he didn't notice distance in it, so only felt a bit timider, not scared by the vagueness (3).

" Alright then... let's make sure those chances are as high as they can be, what do you say? " he bid kindly, with a light bow. " May I lead you to my indoor garden, so we can take care of that, dear guests? "

" I'd love to see that garden. It sounds lovely. Can I keep carrying you? " he asked Death a little shyly. " It may be easier for you to not have to assume human form now or climb needlessly up the stairs yourself and you're but a feather to me... " Behind suggestion was probably also a knowledge that Death's human form was quite beautiful, and if Emil heard any rumours of Death's look, his identity could be discovered.

[Mirach]

"Yes," Death said. "It's easier, I don't feel like changing forms now."