A Friend

Viscount Alden stayed in the Xion household for a couple of hours. He and Tyron talked for the whole afternoon before he left to attend on his duty.

As the evening dawned upon the Xion estate, the dining room was filled with the warm glow of candles and the delicious aroma of a hearty meal. The members of the Xion family gathered around the large, ornately set dining table. 

They were extra friendly and enthusiastic as Elias was dining with them. 

Charlize, with a happy expression on her face, couldn't wait to start the conversation as they sat.

 "Elias, what's your favorite food?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Elias, who had been quietly nibbling on a piece of bread, looked up with wide eyes. "I like chicken," he replied softly.

Tyron smiled warmly at Elias. He reminded him of Alden as it was his favorite too. 

 "Well, you're in luck, Elias. Tonight, we're having roasted chicken! It's our chef's specialty!."

As the meal was served, Allyza took a moment to observe Elias, who seemed more at ease now compared to earlier in the day. "Elias, do you like living with your father?" she asked gently, hoping to learn more about the young boy's life.

Elias nodded. "Yes, my father is very good. He tells me stories about his adventures."

Theron, who was seated beside Elias, tried to join in the conversation.

 "Awd…wen..sure?" (Adventure?) he asked, struggling a bit with the word.

Elias's eyes lit up. "Yes, adventures! He's a commander and a general. He fights to protect our kingdom." he uttered as he smiled meekly.

Tyron, with a hint of pride in his voice, added, "Your father is indeed a very brave and honorable man, Elias. We are glad to have you here with us while he's away. I hope you get along with my children"

Charlize, eager to keep the conversation going, asked, "Do you have any hobbies, Elias? What do you like to do for fun? Me? I like to play with my brother!"

Elias thought for a moment before replying, "I like to draw. My father says I'm good at it."

Allyza smiled encouragingly. "That's wonderful, Elias. Maybe you can show us some of your drawings sometime. We would love to see them."

Theron, who was determined to make friends with Elias, reached out and gently touched his arm. 

"D…r…aw?" (Draw?)

Elias smiled at Theron's curiosity. "Yes, I'll show you, Theron. We can draw together."

As the meal progressed, the atmosphere around the table grew more relaxed and joyful. The Xion family took turns asking Elias questions, learning about his likes, dislikes, and the little details of his life with his father.

By the end of the meal, Elias was laughing and chatting comfortably, his earlier shyness completely gone. He felt welcomed and at home, surrounded by the warmth and kindness of the Xion family.

Allyza, noticing how well Elias was fitting in, leaned over to Tyron and whispered, "He's a wonderful boy. I'm glad we can be here for him."

Tyron nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Yes, he's fitting in perfectly. I think he and Theron are going to be great friends."

"Elias, how about you teach Theron how to draw? He's still young but he have been interested in so many things already" As dessert was served, Charlize suggested.

Elias's face lit up with excitement. "I cn do that."

Theron clapped his tiny hands in delight. "D…raw!" he exclaimed.

Finally! He can get closer to Elias this way. 

'Nice one, Mother.' 

After dinner, the Xion family and their guests moved to the drawing room. The space was cozy and inviting, filled with soft couches, a large table, and shelves lined with books and art supplies. 

Allyza and Tyron settled on a nearby couch, enjoying the sight of their children interacting with Elias.

Charlize eagerly gathered drawing paper, pencils, and crayons, spreading them out on the table. "Here we go! Let's make something amazing," she declared, her enthusiasm was showing.

Elias,who remembered Allyza's suggestion earlier, took a seat next to Theron. He picked up a pencil and began to sketch. "I'll show you how to draw a house first, Theron. It's really simple," he said, smiling encouragingly.

"Lwo…oks Go…od" Theron genuinely praised when he saw the drawing. It was definitely better than most drawings from children. 

However, Elias's skills still wouldn't reach his. If he only could grip the crayons better and control his hand, then he would show his skills in drawing. Unfortunately, he could neither do the both in his current body. 

You're doing great, Elias! Teach me too!"

Elias beamed at the praise. "Thanks, Charlize. You're really good at drawing too. Maybe we can all draw something together?"

Allyza and Tyron exchanged a pleased glance. The sight of their children bonding with Elias warmed their hearts. Allyza leaned into Tyron and whispered, "This is exactly what we hoped for."

Tyron nodded in agreement. "Indeed. They're getting along so well. I'm sure Alden would be glad to see this too."

As the children continued drawing, Theron decided to take the next step in befriending Elias. He put down his crayon and looked at Elias with determination. "Fr…iend?" he asked, his voice soft but clear.

Elias looked at Theron, surprised at the question. A smile slowly spread across his face. "Yes, Theron. Friends."

Charlize clapped her hands together, delighted. "That's wonderful! We're all friends here."

"F…riend," Theron repeated, this time with more confidence.

Elias placed his hand over Theron's. "Yes, Theron. Friends," he affirmed, giving a firm nod.

A wide smile appeared on Theron's lips as he heard Elias saying it for the second time. He was proud of himself. He continued indulging in the conversation. However, moments passed and Theron realized something. 

'Why is there no notification of my success yet?'