The child straightens up with a sniffle. âI am Damian Al Ghul, heir to the Demon Lord and Son of the Bat.â
That was a lot of big words for someone so tiny. It was a lot to constantly say too.
âThat is a grand name," Danny says, spreading his furthest arms apart, âbut a very long name for friends, don't you think?â
The child's eyes widened with enough wonder for Danny to feel, somewhere in his core. (It felt nice. There was so little wonder in the Realms).
âFriends?â Damian Al Ghul, heir to the Demon Lord and Son of the Bat asked.
âYes, of course! This is clearly a fated meeting! Damian Al Ghul, heir to the Demon Lord and Son of the Bat,â Danny said, all of his arms spread in a fan. When had he gotten so many arm? Focus. âRight! And since this is a fated meeting, and I am not here to attack you and you not here to attack meââ
The child sniffs. âYou are a pit fiend. A minor demon crawled from the sacred pool. You are evil.â
âEvil, me?!â Danny said in surprised and many startled hand splayed on his chest. He gave the thought due consideration. âThere is mischief here and there, but no evil. Would you attack me?â
âIf you tried to hurt someone here,â the child said, then slowly add. âBut if you do not⌠yes, we may be friends.â
A long pause of the child looking down at their now clenched fists. âWill it hurt very badly?â
âOh brave little one, not at all. Keep your one hand like that and hold it out straight,â Dany said and tried to seen some of his arms away. He picked one to hold in a fist. AndâŚ
âThat was⌠all?â Damian asked, clearly confused.
âFirst level friendship. No attacking, talking and listening, helping out⌠and I get to call you Dami.â
Dami's nose wrinkled up at the sound of it. âWhy?â
âBecauae nicknames are part of being friends. Danny and Dami. They even sound nice together.â
âYesâŚâ Dami said slowly. âThe do.â