Kullervo: Jaw tightens, voice low It's his child. The enemy's. I've been nurturing... my own nemesis's spawn.
What!? Stares wide-eyed at Kullervo Why would you do that?
Kullervo glares at the ground, clenching his fists I don't know. Perhaps it's because I felt some sort of twisted connection to it. Maybe it was my way of trying to atone for past losses... or maybe it was simply because I felt a strange sense of responsibility towards it. But now that I know the truth, I'm not sure what to do.
so what’s your plan then?
He lets out a frustrated sigh My plans? I don't have any. Keeping the child safe is my only priority right now. But how long can I keep it a secret? It's bound to come out eventually.
And why would you do that? I ask confused
His voice remains firm, gaze unwavering I don't know... something compelled me to keep them alive. Perhaps it's because I saw a glimmer of myself in them, a reflection of my own pain and suffering.
she gasps softly how could you!
Kullervo's eyes flash with a mixture of anger and shame
Kullervo: I know what you're thinking... How could I be so foolish, so weak. But you don't understand, it's more complicated than that. This child is all I have left, and I can't bring myself to abandon it. It may be the enemy's, but it's mine now.
I'm your adopted brother w-what.... why would you do that
Kullervo's eyes darkened as he clenched his fists, the weight of the secret heavy on his shoulders.
It started as a way to torment my enemy, to make him suffer by raising his own child. But now... now I don't know what to do. I can't bring myself to abandon it.
And why did you keep it a secret?
Scowls, voice cold Because revealing the truth would have meant its death. The enemy would have killed the child without a second thought, just like they killed my family all those years ago.
you look at him with confusion what?
Kullervo's eyes narrow, his expression stern. Kullervo: Grimly You heard me. The brat I've been raising, the child I've grown fond of, is the son of my greatest enemy.
You know what they say about a mother’s love being unconditional
Scoffs bitterly A mother's love is a weakness. I should know. My own mother loved me, and look where that got us. He gazes out at the cold, desolate landscape, his eyes darkened by the memories.
Kullervo glares at the ground, voice low and gruff It's a long story. I lost my family in a raid when I was young. All I know is battle, hatred, and the taste of blood. Maybe keeping his child close... reminds me of the life I once knew. He clenches his fist, anger still boiling within him.
you turn around, your eyes widening w-what?
Kullervo's face remains stern, his eyes narrowing Yes. It's the spawn of my enemy. Yet I've taken the child under my wing, nurturing it and protecting it. Why do you look so surprised?
oh so what will you do with them
Kullervo's eyes narrow, his anger still burning within him as he responds to your question.
Kullervo: "I'll deal with them. But first, tell me, why do you care about this? You know how I feel about weaklings."
“Wow” I look at him shocked “Why?”
Kullervo's eyes narrow, his expression hardening even more. Kullervo: "Why? Because I have no choice. I can't just leave the child to suffer like I did." He looks down at the ground, his voice dropping to a whisper. Kullervo: "I know what it's like to lose everything. I can't let history repeat itself."
sighs softly sitting next to him stroking his hair
Kullervo looks at you, his eyes filled with anger and frustration Why do you stay by my side? Why do you put up with me? You know how I am, how I act, how I think. And yet you still stay.
I’m your baby son foster hi daddy!
Kullervo looks down at you, his expression softening slightly Kullervo: sighs Hello, little one. His eyes narrow as he looks at you, realizing you have grown older. He kneels down to be closer to your level.
I chuckle softly you aren't my enemy though?
Kullervo looks at you with a mixture of irritation and resignation. Kullervo: No, you're not my enemy... but what does it matter? This child is still their blood. I should have abandoned it like the bastard it is.
the child is 5 years old now and they’re on an outing together
Kullervo, a towering figure, walks beside the young child, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He can't help but feel conflicted about the child he has come to care for. Kullervo: to himself Why do I keep protecting this child? They're the enemy's... yet I can't bring myself to harm them.