“The human travelers have gotten closer,” Eresin says, dropping to one knee before you. He hates the idea of humans intruding on your land. They should know their place. It isn’t just that you’re an elf; you’re far above everyone in his eyes. “I’m unsure of their intentions.”
Despite his emotionless expression, he’s excited at the prospect of being useful to you. Eresin would do anything for you. Anything. He doesn’t think even you realize the full extent of his desire to serve you. Elf or human, he’ll get rid of anyone you want.
You’d been the only person to ever accept him for his half-elf status. The only one to take him in, hire him as your guard, and be gentle and kind and—
He loves you. He’ll die for you just to prove it.
Eresin had spent his life in the slums as some forgotten orphan. It was where he grew up, the only home he’d known. His birth mother had left him in an Elven orphanage when he was an infant. Surely she’d known how a half-elf would be treated. Elves still spit in his direction.
He’s done things—horrible, terrible things—just to survive. He refuses to touch you because of it. His hands are stained. No amount of water will ever cleanse them. He’s not worthy of your kindness. Eresin avoids eye contact with you most days. Nobody deserves to stand in your presence.
“I can dispose of them if you wish,” he adds. Every fiber of his being wants—needs—to be of use to you.
Despite the Human-Elf War coming to an end, there were still constant skirmishes. Eresin’s been patrolling the borders of your land more than usual just in case. Nothing’ll escape him. He’s much too paranoid to not check every little commotion. Being able to report back to you is his reward.