Tristepin had searched everywhere he could think of for Evangelyne. He'd tried the stables in case she was helping with the dragoturkeys, next checking the library in case she was reading. He thought she may be near his statue, writing in her book, but there were only a few children playing there. Of course, they wished to hear his heroic tales of his epic fights, his death and his return. He was quick to mention Eva's part in his rescue and heavily elaborated the tale about the great escape and saving her life after.
Children were so easy to please – a few demonstrations waving his sword around and they merrily scampered off to re-enact his adventures. He grinned at them as they played happily together, before frowning and continuing his search for Eva. His frown remained as he remembered his childhood. His was not so happy or carefree. He was different to the rest, a Iop, a boy with no sense and hard to discipline. His name was not Tristepin then; although he was called many names, none affectionately. From as far back as he could remember, he'd been made to help around the family farm, building his muscles digging the soil, sowing the seeds, carrying water from the stream to water the sprouting crops, finally gathering in the meagre crops for storing. During the colder months, he'd gather wood for the kitchen fire, chopping trees, cutting logs, and hauling them home. There was never an acknowledgement for his hard work, just a sneer or harsh word. All he'd ever wanted was a little praise, or a kind word. Violence was a way of life for him, his siblings bullied and blamed him constantly, and his father cruelly punished him unnecessarily. Even the village children called him Ogrest junior. He became accustomed to being lonely in a crowded place. Finally, after an unwarranted thrashing from his father, he'd had enough. He never returned that day after collecting berries; he just kept on walking and didn't look back. He didn't recall how long he wandered aimlessly and starving, until Goultard discovered him, and saw his potential. Goultard gave him a place to live, raised his strength and self-belief by working him hard, but with kindness. He became the father that Tristepin had wanted. Goultard even suggested his new name, which he adopted when his foster father made him the guardian of his Shushu and entrusted Rubilax to him. Finally, Goultard considered him ready to make his own future in the world, while he himself lay down to rest.
Tristepin was alone in the world again; except not quite that alone, he now had Rubilax. There were adventures; not extremely successful, but some sort of adventure all the same. Rubilax became the closest to a friend that he ever had, and although he found it hard to admit it, even Rubi's grumblings were company. Controlling Rubilax was a problem. If the Iop allowed him free reign, he lost control to the demon, and Rubilax fed on Tristepin's anger and humiliations. Luckily through one of his demon-controlled rages, he found some new friends; people who actually liked him and wanted him around. He had never mentioned anything of his past to the rest, particularly Eva, as it was too lacklustre compared to theirs. He envied their tales, for he had little to offer from his experiences suitable for telling around a campfire. To cover his awkwardness, he inflated his ego, exaggerating his confidence, to conceal his shyness and lack of wisdom. Besides, such behaviour was expected from an Iop, a class with little between the ears.
Things became much clearer to him as he waited for rescue, trapped in his own sword, with Rubilax in total control of his body and life. The demon had reached out for him as he died and dragged him back into the world, swapping places in the process. Trapped though he was, he used the time for thinking, drifting around the world watching other people until he learned control of his thoughts. After months of trying, he finally located Eva in the Sadida kingdom, always in the same place, thinking of him, which made it much easier to contact her. He expected her to think she was going crazy, but hoped his messages might finally galvanise her into action. Eventually, she came alone, probably chasing her demons and hunting them down. Regardless of the reasons, she found him, rescued him; she even convinced his demon to release him and to return to the sword. Although still weak, he grew strength from holding her in his arms, finding enough reserves to assist her in their escape. Eva was his strength now, he lived to conquer her stiff reserve and discover the tender side of this beautiful and brave cra.
How different his life was now – in his dreams he often returned to his old home to show his family what he had become without them, despite them, to prove them wrong. He was a respected Knight Guardian of a Shushu, trained by a hero, with great friends and grand adventures every day. He had gained a demon's admiration; fought to keep the beautiful girl he loved, although still desperately hoping she loved him as much in return. Ah, Eva… He needed to trust her and for her to trust in him. To be honest, he had no idea of how to handle this situation with Eva. He had longings that tied his stomach in knots but was scared he would frighten her away with his clumsiness. His face reddened at those thoughts and his stomach did a back flip as he saw her approaching. She made him feel complete and content, although he found it so difficult in his Iop brain to find the words to express it to her.