"Wow, I get a room?!" Terra jumped up in an instant. Her excitement might've been contagious, if she hadn't been facing a man who only felt excitement while either killing or in the midst of battle. Slade, ever-composed, simply nodded.
Now that she was fed, Slade found that she was much more vocal than before. She swung her arms by her sides in a carefree manner as the pair walked toward her room. Terra acted like a girl who was at a carnival with a best friend, not as one who was now walking beside one of the deadliest villains in history.
" . . . usually just sleep in a cave," Terra continued. "Oh, yeah, and there was this one time when I woke up in the middle of the night and found a badger next to me! It was pretty scary, but I managed to get out without getting hurt or hurting the badger, either. And then there was this other time that — "
"Here is your room," Slade said.
Once the door to her room opened, Terra gasped in surprise and ran inside like a child on Christmas. "Wow! I get a bed? And pajamas? And a dresser with a mirror?!"
Slade watched her, finding her reaction almost amusing. Here he'd given her the bare essentials, and she was treating it as though she'd just walked into a five-star hotel.
"This is way better than any old cave," Terra said, grinning up at him. When she sat down on the bed, she gave a small squeak as she sunk into the mattress.
"If you need anything, my room is at the end of the hall," Slade said. "There is a bathroom directly opposite your room. If you require any medical attention or supplies, I will obtain them for you. Is that clear?"
Terra nodded, and Slade was about to leave when Terra rushed over to him. Slade, understanding instantly, allowed her to embrace him again. However, more aware of Terra's emotional state this time than he was before, he felt that she was still holding back ever so slightly. Slade was a man who would not accept anything less than everything. Terra would trust him. She would fear him and willingly obey him completely. But before he could do either of the latter, Slade knew he had to gain her trust. He knew what was necessary.
Wrapping his arms around her, Slade embraced Terra back, being careful not to allow his strong arms to injure her delicate frame. Slade heard her gasp, and when he released her moments later, he was amused when he saw her expression.
Slade, satisfied, turned to leave. "Rest now, child."
"Goodnight," Terra called out.
Slade left without another word, walking away from his new apprentice and allowing her time alone with her emotions. And what emotions did she have. Treatment such as this was so foreign to her that she didn't know how to respond. Considering her reactions as of late, elevated endorphins were probably the cause. However, it was possible that other factors could be at work as well. But that neither bothered nor concerned him. In fact, perhaps it was something he could use against her.