Erik's new pup was a common Highland wolf, a breed of wolf that could grow to a large size and with a threatening amount of bite strength. Still, in its infancy, it was hardly able to open its eyes fully. It was fed and kept until it was able to move around on its own before it was given to Erik, at which his father asked him what he would name it. "This is to be your hound, Erik. Care to give it a name?"
Erik looked at the pup with a blank stare. "Demitrisadius."
His father was certainly stunted by the chosen name.
Erik's idea of playing with the pup was to train it. He expected the creature to be loyal and do as he ordered, but as it was still a pup, it was hardly able to understand, let alone learn as he wanted.
It was around that time that Lord Henry would return for his winter long visit, and finding that his grandson, Erik, had been given a wild wolf pup to raise, he thought to offer some advice.
"Erik, it is still a child, like you, though not as bright. If you want it to learn, you should use treats."
"Treats?"
"Yes, my boy! Treats!" He turned to a maid and ordered her, "Go fetch us some scraps of meat from the kitchen."
"Yes, of course." the maid scurried off.
"Now then, my boy. Sometimes, the best way to convince someone to do what you want, is to offer them something that they want in exchange. This pup is a simple minded creature that loves the taste of meat, so all you have to do, is have it do what you want, and when it does, you give it a treat. Soon enough, it will learn to do as told without you having to force it."
His grandfather would show him the way to teach the pup, ordering it to "Sit." When it did not, he forced it to sit, giving it a treat after.
Erik would go on to train his Demitrisadius as his grandfather had taught him. The pup was intelligent enough for the most part, learning quick and gobbling up the scraps of meat after with adoration.
With nothing but time that only a child has in their youth, Erik would manage to train his newfound companion to obey. Demitrisadius would fetch sticks that were thrown by him, but Erik did not like that. He taught the animal to only fetch when ordered, glaring at the young pup to the point that it was able to recognize the disappointment of its master. In time, the creature would learn loyalty, obeying only Erik and not the orders of others. Demitrisadius grew fast over the months, always remaining by Erik's side, even at night where he would find rest at his door. His family and servants found no reason to worry, as the young wolf was so well mannered, that it was as though it were a commonly bred dog.
By the end of winter, with Lord Henry's departure and the return of spring, Scholar Godfrey too, would come to instruct his ward during the warmer months. His fifth birthday would pass and he would spend his days within the walls of the manor, studying and reading almost monotonously. Scholar Godfrey would instruct him during the days, while in the evenings, Erik would be allowed his own time to do as he wished, though he would seek to read, rather than play as most children did.
"Young master, it is such a lovely day, would you not care to go outside and enjoy this fresh air?" asked Nomay.
"Why?"
"Well, you have been studying nonstop, surely you are bored."
"No." Blunt yet innocent was his response.
Nomay couldn't help but to smile awkwardly. "I see, well then, I will go fetch you some snacks in the meantime." she said as she turned to leave with a swish of her dress, trailing behind her.
Some time would eventually pass, with the day's light growing dimmer, and his loyal companion yawning from his lay. Erik would come to realize that Nomay had yet to return, prompting him to shut his book and jump down from his chair. Demitrisadius, upon hearing his movements, awoke to follow behind him.
Where Nomay had been was in the kitchen, doing as she had said she would, but getting distracted by the young stable hand who had approached her. The two were found conversing still, like two young lovebirds who had lost track of time. Erik saw this from behind the corner. "Nomay." he called out to her, stepping out and into full view. Nomay was startled, jumping between her shoulders.
"Oh, young master. I am sorry," she laughed. "I must have lost track of time. Are you hungry?" Her smile was genuine and beautiful, like that of a mother. She led him back to his room, all the while Erik kept an eye on the stable hand.