gift of friendship (old)

"Akupheles, my, lord!" Sylvar exclaimed, bolting foward on the rocky pavement. Nearly tripping, he stopped to catch his breath before kneeling before the demon. "What have you called me here for?"

"Ohhhh, stop that," Akupheles laughed, motioning his hand to have Sylvar stand up. Reluctantly, the elf slowly straightened up. With a kind smile, Akupheles reassured, "We're friends now, remember? Besides, there's no need for you to honor me. I'm just like you, anyway.

Turning around to face the flourishing fields of flowers, Akupheles inhaled the fresh air deeply and closed his eyes for just a little before opening his mouth once more.

"You adopted a kid recently, didn't you?" he asked, turning back to Sylvar. "Half demon, I heard..."

"Yes, I took her in after her mother abandoned her," Sylvar explained, waving his hands around. "I want her to live normally, y'know? Not feared by others or discriminated against... I know demons can be great people. Like you."

"You flatter me. I'm just doing what I can for the people."

Without much of a pause, Akupheles reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue gemstone attached to a string. Sparkling like the ocean, the gem glistened in the sunlight, almost like a droplet of water refracting light. He held it out to Sylvar, who took it carefully.

"What's this?" Sylvar asked, turning his head to inspect the necklace. The sunlight refracted into his eyes, causing him to cringe and shut his eyelids.

"This gem is from a very special rock," Akupheles clarified. "They used gems from this rock to help control my power when I was a child as well. It's useful for young demons who don't know how to use their immense strength yet. I hope this can come of use to your daughter."

"I... I can't thank you enough," Sylvar bowed deeply, holding the stone tight. "Thank you... so so much. I promise to repay you someday."

"There's no need!" Akupheles reassured. "Just be here. That's enough for me."

Even still, Sylvar was determined to honor his word. And once the overthrowing situation occurred, the perfect opportunity presented itself.