Who Needs a Mute Canary?

by **Evarista** on September 23rd, 2016, 5:04 pm

Evarista was about to toss the grape into his mouth, but paused for a moment, watching his face. Shut eyes and mouth wide open, he looked so vulnerable. She enjoyed this. It did make her want to pluck a beetle from a nearby vine and surprise him with that instead, but that would be a one-time amusement. She wanted to see this face again, wanted to make the most of his agreeable gesture. Bringing around the grape, she held it out between her index and middle finger, carefully inserted her fingers into his open mouth without touching his lips, and placed the sweet grape on his tongue before withdrawing.

It felt good, and on a primal level, she understood why. It wasn't the altruistic pleasure of making him feel good, rather, it was the selfish pleasure of being in control. She was rewarding an expression of trust, because she wanted him to express trust again, so that she could feel in control again. This feeling of control over the trust of another found its greatest value within itself; any ulterior motives were merely afterthoughts, if they at all existed. Yes. The grape on his tongue showed her the real reason for why she was so drawn to him.

"I'm glad you like the garden. Let's come here often." Her tone was soft, mood elevated by the small yet significant epiphany.

Rising to her feet, she found his hand again. She wanted to continue her walk with him, but had nowhere else in the estate she wanted to go. The majority of the huge complex was meant for people she didn't care about, doing things she didn't care about. Completely uninteresting.

Luckily, Bryony came to the rescue once again, entering the garden with a small bow. Evarista was about to ask her for help showing Hwyn around, as the maid knew every nook and cranny of the estate and thus would make a much better tour guide. Before she could speak, she noticed that Bryony was carrying a towel and a large piece of soap.

"My lady, I've taken the liberty of preparing a bath for you. Please attend at your earliest convenience."

This was a bad sign. Traditionally, Bryony only did this when Evarista was starting to stink for real. This sometimes happened during marathon drunken dazes, where she could neglect any hygiene for over a week. Besides the obvious health hazards to Evarista herself, this also had the unfortunate side effect of irritating the dainty noses of her relatives. Walking around and smelling like a rancid beggar was certainly not appropriate for someone of her social standing, and she understood that. It wasn't like she hated bathing, it was just, uh, bothersome. Yeah.

Still, come to think of it, she hasn't bathed at all since she came home. And she was definitely not using a lot of soap during... the period of time before that. Although she couldn't feel any weird smells herself, the maid's hygienic concerns were probably not unfounded.

"Good call. I might as well do so right away."

The young aristocrat followed the slave to the bathing cabin, which was actually nearby in the very corner of the garden. Of course, she was still securely holding Hwyn's hand, and had no intention of letting him fall behind. Might as well show him a bathing area while she was at it; though it was not meant for slaves.

The bathing cabin was meant for non-blooded family members, but Evarista disliked the fancier bathing hall located indoors, due to the risk of meeting her blooded relatives in such an enclosed space, where they'd invariably strike up the dreaded 'small talk' or other such atrocity. So, Evarista discovered the wonders of the bathing cabin, which only had room for one large, round wooden bathtub. Hot steam was rising invitingly from it; all that was left was to jump in and enjoy.

Now that she was here, it seemed that a good bath was worth the bother in the end. The girl undressed lazily, handing her garments to Bryony one by one, and climbed into the bathtub. Submerging her aching body into the warm water felt even better than she could have hoped, and she couldn't contain a sigh of satisfaction. After a short pause, she tossed Hwyn a neutral glance.

"It's up to you. You can wash my back for me, or you can continue your tour with Bryony. She knows the way around better than I do, in any case."

She scratched her neck, the monotony of her voice making it as easy as always to sound nonchalant and uncaring. Secretly, she was not. She wanted him to stay, partly because she wanted to see how he'd behave, but mainly because she really, really could use a good back scrub right now.

by **Hwyn** on September 24th, 2016, 5:37 am

After a moment of apprehension, Hwyn's nervousness was rewarded with a piece of fruit being placed on his tongue, appreciatively chewing the fruit Hwyn nodded at the mention of future visits to the garden, that was something hwyn was decidedly ok with, that and the fact that if such fruit could be gathered here, well that was just icing on the cake. Relaxing in a garden... wasn't bad at all... "It'd be nicer if you did it because you wanted to not cause someone was making you though" Hwyn thought to himself ruefully.

Though Byrony's timely appearance again ruined his irritated thoughts once more. The woman really was everywhere at once wasn't she. frowning at the mention of bathing Hwyn was glad that Evarista was the maid's target and not himself. Unable to escape Eva's grip on his hand he found himself being dragged to the bathing chamber and found the area already damp and hot thanks to the tub of heated water. Hwyn did find it odd that Byrony was the one making a lady of the house bathe, usually, bathing was something that those of high standing didn't need to be told to do. Though it wasn't exactly his place to judge, he didn't like baths either, they made his hair frizzy, and well, he didn't have good memories of bathing.

When Evarista began stripping down nonchalantly Hwyn looked way and kept his back to the proceedings. He hoped the steam would hide the flush that had risen to his face, no matter how many times he'd been in situations like this he found them embarrassing. when Evarista addressed him Hwyn jumped... please don't ask me to join you he thought to himself, a feeling in the pit of hs stomach began to form like a hard not, the last time he'd been in a bath that wasn't a river or just a basin and towel he'd been with his mother, and such experiences still haunted him. That said if his earlier hunches about Eva being lonely were not unfounded leaving her side would only earn her Ire.

"If m-milady wishes it, I will stay.."

Moving to the back of the tub Hwyn kneeled outside of the tub still keeping his eyes averted from Evarista. she'd have her back to him at least so it would be manageable to look at her from that angle as long as he kept his eyes up. Taking a small towel in one hand and soap in the other when Evarista allowed it he would gently scrub her back and shoulders all while looking up or at the back of her head. This wasn't terrible so far but he was glad that he wasn't in the hot water, he already felt like he put off heat, adding to it tended to make him heat sick, a condition that sailing had made him aware of himself being terribly prone to. That said Eva's skin was pale and smooth, it was obvious that she did not that much sun, as he washed her back hwyn went back to using the gentle strokes on Eva's shoulders, if she'd appreciated the massage earlier, it might not hurt to try again. Letting his fingers play agains her shoulders lubricated by sudding bubbles the motions though lacking confidence were aided by soap and hot water, after a few minute of circular motions Hwyn was certain that Eva's back was free of oils sweat and dead skin, unlike his back her's was a blank canvas.

"If you d-don't mind me offering... I-I can do your hair as well Miss Evarista."

Make yourself useful he thought to himself, if he could do things without being asked he'd have a looser leash about his throat.

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

by **Evarista** on September 24th, 2016, 7:42 am

Hearing that he'd stay with her, Evarista was slightly relieved. She had a suspicion that he'd use the excuse to extricate himself from her company, but it seems he didn't hate her that badly. Or, at least, he could pretend he didn't, which was just as well as far as she was concerned. She caught a glimpse of his beet-red face before he hastily turned away. It was somewhat amusing, but he might as well get himself acquainted with the sight. It was silly to get all modest around a slave; just as silly as it was to get all modest around a piece of furniture.

Having him stand behind her a second time didn't feel as uncomfortable, now that she was somewhat familiar with his touch. His fingers trailing her back and shoulders sent shudders through her; the hot water and soap aided the relaxation. This second massage felt a lot better, and she felt the muscle knots in her shoulders finally start to unravel. The girl let out another content sigh, seeing no reason to hide her satisfaction with his work. She knew she was supposed so wash up, but decided to savor the bliss instead, simply sitting in the tub and concentrating on the sensations of Hwyn's fingers on her skin.

The boy's voice brought her out of the shallow trance, asking her to do her hair. Seeing him take initiative was rather welcome. The perfect slave knew what his master wanted without having to ask, but that took familiarity. Familiarity that the two of them were building right now.

"Please do."

A few more chimes passed while Evarista felt the gentle tugs on her scalp. She idly wondered what exactly he was doing, but she trusted him to do a good job. Secretly, she was as eager to dispense her trust to him as she was to get his.

Bryony, who has left the cabin to carry away Evarista's clothes, soon returned with news.

"My lady. Hwyn's possession have been recovered from his residence. There's a sword, a violin, a small sum of money, and a small stack of clothes. What would you have me do with these?"

Quick acting. Evarista guessed that, while preparing Hwyn's reception and commissioning the branding iron, Sitanos also send someone to pick up the boy's stuff. Smooth. Clothes and money were a matter of course, but when Bryony mentioned a sword, the older girl's eyebrows rose in surprise. Hwyn owned a sword? She'd never have guessed. If it was for self-defense, he'd be carrying it with him, but he came to the estate unarmed. Was there a penchant for violence hiding in him? The thought made Evarista rather uncomfortable, but she kept that comment to herself.

What caught her attention after that was the violin. Now, there's a positive surprise!

"Deposit the sword at the armory. His personal items are to be delivered to his room. The violin... hmm. Bring it here."

Bryony nodded and disappeared, shortly returning with the instrument in hand. The craftsmanship looked simple, but that wasn't important. Turning around in the bathtub half-way, Evarista flashed her teeth-baring grin, but there was a hint of genuine excitement in it. She really did want to hear him play.

"Will you play your favorite tune for me?"

Getting the hint, Bryony made the violin available for him, along with a towel to dry his hands with. The moist air in the cabin was probably not good for the instrument, but a single tune would be fine, right?

by **Hwyn** on September 24th, 2016, 9:35 am

Who Needs a Mute Canary?

Moving on to Evarista's Hair when given permission Hwyn gathered the long strands of her inky black hair for the second time today washing people was a unique thing Hwyn mused, not something he had pictured himself doing but he preferred it a whole lot more to it being the other way around.You'd have to trust someone to let them bathe you, or s least Hwyn felt you would, it was a lesson in and of itself is that people tended not to see the world as he did. Rubbing Evarista's scalp as he rinsed her hair of soap and suds and appreciated his handy work.

As hwyn was finished Byrony appeared again, Hwyn was beginning to entertain the idea that there were more than one of her. With her came the news that his belongings had been seized, it wasn't too terribly surprising but it was a firm reminder that he lived here from now on. When his violin was brought to him Hwyn smiled, Eva wanted to hear him play, and well, he didn't mind terribly to oblige her. It was one of the few things he could do well.

Secret :

Drawing the bow across the strings Hwyn smiled, a slow solemn note, he could not play fast songs but his notes were at least true, long solemn notes that quavered with his fingers, the song Hwyn played was one he used to play at the mansion it was neither sad nor happy, if Hwyn had to assign a word to it, it would be hopeful, though everyone seemed to feel different things about music.

Note to note Hwyn's fingers danced on the strings of his violin, pulling the strings taught and loosening them to pull forth the notes he wanted note bet to the proper sounds rarely starting as the note he wanted, but he could pull them into the notes he wanted slowly, forcing the music to take shape in his hands. His eyes never opened as he performed, he didn't need them only his ears, he could not read music, but he'd been taught to feel it. So at the very least he knew when a note sounded wrong and how to bend it to make it right. Gradually the song played until on the last note Hwyn smiled and let it fly forth from his bow like a drawn arrow.

"Uhmm sorry I haven't played in a long time, I hope that was ok."

Hwyn looked at Eva only to redden and look away again, the trance of music gone he remembered the nude woman before him. Putting the Violin down Hwyn became aware of his own sweat and frowned. Did he want to ask, should he dare to ask? If Eva discovered him smelly it'd be a problem, but as a slave, he didn't know what he could and couldn't do.

"Y-you think when you are done... I c-could use the b-bath miss Evarista?"

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

by **Evarista** on September 24th, 2016, 1:23 pm

Listening to the somber tune, Evarista washed herself with slow motions, trying to avoid splashing noises that would disrupt her auditory pleasures. Spending a afternoon in a hot bath while listening to music was not something she'd normally picture herself doing, though it was somewhat common among her more hedonistic relatives. She slowly came to understand why they enjoyed this, and she could see herself wanting to repeat the experience. She was already getting into the swing of having a personal slave, and at this rate she was probably going to get addicted to this rather quickly. Great. Another addiction was exactly what she needed.

Speaking of addictions, a swig of something nice would make this moment completely perfect. She gave Bryony her secret code gesture, and in less than a chime, a glass of wine was in her hand. Sipping the sour-sweet drink, she resumed her relaxation with Hwyn's tune filling the steaming air around her. Life couldn't get much more decadent than this, and turning this decadence into an everyday thing was beginning to show its appeal.

Bryony has decided to stay in the cabin and listen as well, as a short break wouldn't hurt. When Hwyn finished playing, she gave him a short and quiet round of applause. Among the many slaves at the estate, few had any artistic talents worth mentioning, and the maid was easily fascinated by the musical display, amateurish as it was. Evarista herself only smiled in approval. As the day went on and they did things together, she found it easier and easier to smile at him.

Then, Hwyn asked about using the bath. Bryony's face elongated in embarrassment for his question, but not because of modesty concerns. Asking to use the family bath was completely out of turn for slaves, who traditionally had no access to such luxuries and had to bathe whenever and wherever they found an opportunity. Hwyn was new, so perhaps it would be forgiven once, but he had to know the status quo. Just in case, Bryony was ready to raise her voice in his defense, but it turned out to be unnecessary.

"Climb in. There's space for two."

Evarista moved over in the bathtub and swung her now-empty wine glass invitingly. The bathtub was just about large enough for two people to fit comfortably. She wouldn't have come up with the idea herself, but now that he put it out there, why not? Of course, she'd be less nonchalant about this if she was completely sober, so the light buzz in her head made the difference. Bryony rolled her eyes. Bathing together with a slave, the Nitrozian really didn't seem to care about her outwards image. It was as stupid as it was refreshing.

Expecting him to obey, the maid stood ready to receive his violin and help him climb out of his outfit. Secretly, she felt a mix of pity and jealously for Hwyn. Although she would have loved to have access to the spacious bathtub herself, it was not worth being a victim of Evarista's eccentricities. And Rhysol knew those wouldn't end with just this.

by **Hwyn** on September 24th, 2016, 2:13 pm

Title and Date

the gentle clap at the end of his performance Hwyn allowed a wan grin, the praise was appreciated, though not earned. He should practice more but perhaps living in a place like this, where more time could be spent in leisure and not hunting for food Hwyn could focus on mastery of his instrument. He really should practice more, considering he did enjoy doing it.

When Evarista replied to his request hwyn frowned and flushed redder than he had before... he really hated the idea of bathing with another person, he didn't like being vulnerable. That said the lazy stare that came from Eva made his spine rigid, she was giving him that face that said, I've given you an option, however, there is only one right choice. Mentally kicking himself Hwyn nodded sheepishly. Evarista was.. going to be difficult to live with it felt like... she was the sort of person who liked having her way, and Hwyn had a hard time saying no... it really was something he needed to work on, that said Eva had ben pleased with his company, and while she was certainly bending him to her desires she was not trying to break him, and if things continued like that... he could manage for now.... it wasn't so bad to let your guard down and relax right? He needed time to heal anyways... Might as well try to make the best of this all.

Letting Byrony take his instrument and begin to unlace the dress Hwyn mentally prepared himself for the bath to come... the last bath he'd been in had been painful enough that it had opened wounds and had involved more berating than he wanted to hear ever again. When the dress came off Hwyn keeping his back to Eva peeled the new underwear off slowly. As he was doing so he used his left hand unwittingly causing the pain from the brand to flare up a bit, knocking him off balance. landing on all four hwyn found himself naked looking at the floor of the bathroom. A mental flash of a crop ripping across his back struck him. Like the even was happening again tears began to well out of his eyes, he didn't really feel the brand anymore just memories of a whip reading him for each sour not his instrument produced.

Byrony was helping him to the bath, thinking he'd only slipped... but words wouldn't come to him... just wet tears.... he didn't want to go into the bath he didn't want to hurt he just wanted to be appreciated... not to be hurt.... his body was being lowered into water... didn't the woman understand he didn't want to go in? he wanted to leave find a dark corner.... but there he was... he felt the bandages around his chest being unwound and pulled away... and like that he was in the bath. Facing away from Eva to hide his face Hwyn wrestled with himself trying to pull the scraps of his mind back together... he was in a bath.. but his mother wasn't here.... he was only in a little pain but... he knew why.

Looking back at Evarista Hwyn wiped his eyes.

"I-I'm sorry M-miss... D-d-dunno what c-came over me..."

Hugging his knees to his chest and keeping his back to eva Hwyn tried to pull his composure back together.... he was safe right? he could calm down... it was just bath... why was he reacting so badly? Hiccuping once Hwyn stowed away his pain... he needed to actually bathe not just sit in the tub being a crybaby... Eva would probably start asking questions... he needed to find answers quickly too, else she'd get the wrong idea... oh what an idiot he must seem like...

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

by **Evarista** on September 24th, 2016, 6:04 pm

Resting her elbows on the wooden border of the bathtub, Evarista watched Hwyn get undressed and clumsily climbing into it, not without a lot of help from the maid. Her half-closed eyes carried an amused spark, and one corner of her lips was turned up in an equally amused smirk. He seems a little distressed, she thought idly. Was he afraid of water? One of her cousins was afraid of water when she was small. Every time she had to be bathed, the corridors of the manor were filled with blood-curdling screams. Compared to that, Hwyn kept his composure well enough.

Except that he was visibly crying, and unlike her initial guess, he didn't seem to mind the water itself that much. There was a different reason to this strange reaction to the prospect of bathing. That was Evarista's idle observation, but the logical chain didn't continue. She couldn't be bothered. She was oblivious to his internal struggles, continuing to stare at him with dumb contentment as he let out a sob and apologized for something she didn't understand. His pained countenance gradually smoothed out a little. So, whatever the problem was, he has calmed down. Or pretended to, at any rate.

That was good. That was what she wanted. He was here for a single purpose, which did not involve any consideration to his own feelings. He was a companion slave now: a companion, and yet a slave. He had to act happy and brighten the mood for her, but whether he was actually happy deep inside didn't concern her at all. On the other hand, she didn't particularly wish him harm, either. Heaping rage and violence on someone for every wrong move would take a sort of psychological investment that the girl couldn't afford. Not because she was unwilling, but because she simply didn't have the faculties. Ending up with an emotionally deficient master was a mixed fortune, one that could be exploited in many ways, but also one that could lead to a sudden and remorseless demise if the slave didn't play his cards right.

"Hey. We both fit." Still smirking and staring at his small frame from behind half-closed eyelids, Evarista swept her arm underwater to send a small wave at him in an attempt to be playful. "Isn't it nice? Here. You can use my soap."

She reached for the shaky wooden table next to the tub and retrieved the piece of soap he's been using on her just before. As she handed it to him, her gaze fell on his revealed brand, peeking from behind his knees as he curled into a ball in the corner of the bathtub. She wondered if it still hurt, but decided against starting a discussion about it right now. Whatever the case, every time she looked at it since its impression on his skin, she enjoyed it a little more. The sight of her monogram forever seared into another living being evoked a small pleasure, the exact same kind she felt during the act of branding itself, just subtler. She knew what it was now: the pleasure of control.

As if on call, Bryony had arrived with a bucket of hot water. Scooping out some of the old water from the tub, she refilled it with the new, hot and clean against their skin. A puff of steam rose up in the air. If she was anyone else, Evarista would offer to wash his back, but she couldn't be bothered. On a fun-to-effort ratio, it was more efficient to just stare at him as he washed himself, enjoying the strange sense of closeness as they both sat nude in the steaming bathtub. Evarista submerged herself up to her neck, feeling her feet accidentally slip under Hwyn. The unexpected pressure of him ending up sitting on her feet evoked a snicker from her. The gradual onset of dizziness told her that she'd have to get out soon if she didn't want to faint, but that would be such a waste...

by **Hwyn** on September 25th, 2016, 3:08 am

Who Needs a Mute Canary?

As Hwyn pulled himself together he still cursed the occasional irrational fears that gripped his heart. But at the very least he didn't snap or break down like some did, his body just shut down. unable to cope with fear and stress, but he was already beginning to find his soul and mind again, the moments of shock were fewer and further in between that said that seemed to also make them harder to cope with as they were harder to predict.

Letting himself relax a bit in the water Hwyn decided that the risk of Eva assaulting him in the bath were slim so it would be fine to wash himself. Slowly washing himself Hwyn enjoyed the feeling if the soaps Evarista lent him, lathering his arms and shoulders Hwyn showed a slight penchant for flexibility when he demonstrated his ability to reach most any spot on his back. As he was bathing he allowed himself to forget the presence leering at his back. However when a pair of feet lodged themselves beneath his bum he fretted for a moment, how was he supposed to react to that exactly? It was one thing to bathe with people but wasn't she being a bit forward? Or maybe she was just teasing him again. He was the slave... and she was the master... did that mean he couldn't enforce fragments of his own soul, his own being into their relationship? It was a vexing thought, but realistically speaking, he'd live a better life here, in this mansion cooped up with the woman in her self-imposed cage, than he could working at the cafe, that said, the price was his freedom, but really in a world were gods swoop in on whims and giant spiders go on rampages, what is freedom worth in the long run... It wasn't like he needed to travel if the woman behind him really wanted him around, then at least he had found some semblance of belonging. He didn't think the woman loved him, not that any person you just met could be someone you loved. But at the same time, he'd never felt loved before. Why would that change now? At least for the moment, he was appreciated, a feeling he'd have to settle for it seemed. That said, he wouldn't give up on figuring love out, he craved it just as he craved genuine praise and appreciation.

Letting his mind wander back to reality Hwyn decided that it wasn't necessarily wise to push envelopes, but at the same time he wasn't the sort to be teased and not payback. leaning back Hwyn would let his back rest on the woman's knees as he ran his hands through his hair cleaning the last of the suds out of it. While Evarista was the sort to be bold in her approaches Hwyn was more sly, letting out a short stifled yawn as he leaned back onto her. A thought passed through his head, aren't you just as bad as her now? The thought had a valid point, but it was a matter of justification, if he thought about it, at worst his actions could be called turnabout, all day the woman had been teasing him, it couldn't hurt to pressure her back a little right? A mild shiver ran up his spine, what if she reacted negatively, he could find himself in a world of trouble... s he laid back he became more aware of the risks he was taking and he was none too happy with them... but the payoff was also something he might be able to see how the woman felt about him, or at least another angle of it. He'd been lusted for before, and that was not something he was unused to, after all as a waitress it had been his job to flirt with and entertain customers, that siad he'd never returned such advances with anything more than kind dismissals as was his want, such things were not something he'd ever felt safe or comfortable with, the way Eva treated him on the other hand, was a bit different, she hadn't said anything about the scars that crisscrossed him, it made him wonder what her opinion on them was, did she simply not care or was she not the sort to outright ask. Next to that, he just had a hard time understanding people.

"Miss Evarista.... am i..... am I pleasant company?"

He wanted to hear an answer to that question at least, it would be a foundation... or a start as it were, he wanted her to like him, if he was going to stay here indefinitely, then being appreciated was something he wanted.... no he felt he needed it... he'd seen slaves beaten down like chattel, mute and afraid of their own shadows, he didn't want to become that. He wasn't ready to give up his life to Evarista, he would coexist with her, not be consumed by her.

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

by **Evarista** on September 25th, 2016, 1:02 pm

Evarista was half-expecting him to jerk away from her touch, so seeing him use her legs as a recliner was an unexpected development. He was light enough that his weight didn't cause discomfort, on the contrary, the sudden skinship was welcome. What a bold initiative. She remembered the morning, the bed, and the way he had reacted like a scared rodent to her touch. The scared rodent vibe was still present in his movements, but he no longer leaned away. This was a significant development, and it made her happy. Evarista had no idea what she was doing right, but obviously it was working. Her satisfied smirk widened into a maniacal grin, which the boy in front of her fortunately couldn't see. Pleasant company, he said?

"Yes, Hwyn." She reached out for his soaped head, giving his hair a light stroke. Her fingers snuck behind his ear, massaging gently. "You are."

The last motion was something she caught herself doing almost subconsciously; a strange whim. She was scratching him behind the ear as if he was a pet. No, not 'as if', he was actually her pet, wasn't he? That idle thought, along with the neediness in his voice just now, made her view the boy in a completely new light, as if she serendipitously found the key to make this relationship work. Verily, he was not a person, nor was he an object. He was a pet. He wanted to be a pet.

Pets had only three needs. Food, exercise and attention. A plentiful supply of these three things guaranteed undying loyalty. What a wonderfully simple explanation! Evarista loved simple systems, because they were systems she could actually understand. Now that the fudged and unfathomable complexities of human nature were out of the way, the girl had something she could work with. Yes, she could work with this indeed.

"Fufu... fufufu..." She continued snickering as she petted him, her eyes blank and almost devoid of consciousness.

Bryony was now back after another trip out, now carrying some dry towels and a change of clothes for Evarista. One glance told her that the older girl was soon going to sink below the surface and drown if left alone, and she gave a weary sigh. The need for babysitting would never end, would it? The maid put the clothes on the table nearby, rolled up her sleeves, and began pulling the steamed-up Nitrozian out of the bath, politely admonishing her for her carelessness and getting only dull snickering in return. After wrapping Evarista in a big towel, she then helped Hwyn out of the bathtub, and give him a towel as well. He had no change of clothes, so he'd have to be content with getting back into his regular maid outfit, which was still reasonably clean, if a bit damp from the moist air in the cabin.

Lazily pulling on the linen shirt and trousers, Evarista shuffled out of the cabin with a content look on her face, a visible veil of steam still rising from her. Bryony chased after her with an annoyed face and a towel, then wrapping the latter around the older girl's head like a turban. Whoops, forgot to do that, hehe. Waiting for Hwyn to catch up, she strutted slowly through the garden. Judging from the position of the sun, it was well past noon. They've been in the bath much longer than expected, but as far as Evarista was concerned, it was time well spent.

Reaching the door to the blooded residence, she felt the pinch of hunger in her stomach, for the first time in days. Her appetite was finally back. This morning has proven highly rejuvenating. Was it thanks to Hwyn, or the bath? Or both? A combination of those two things was certainly more than the sum of its parts, that much she could say. Maybe she could enjoy a late lunch with Hwyn's music in the background? For every song he played, she'd treat him to something from her table. Like giving treats to a pet for performing tricks. The more she thought about that, the more sense it made. Just as she didn't care about his innermost secrets, he probably didn't care about hers. He only wanted to be treated decently, at least, that was all he was in a position to wish. She had no problem with giving him what he wanted... as long as he gave her what she wanted first.

"Hmm... late lunch. What do you say?" she asked in a relaxed tone, throwing Hwyn the usual amused glance and smirk. And, just as usual, the question was rhetorical; she was already making her way through the corridors to the dining hall. That same dining hall he was originally, falsely, invited to. When they arrived, it was empty, as lunch hours were long over. Noticing their arrival, a manservant that was cleaning the floor greeted them. Evarista asked him to bring her lunch, which he soon did. Evarista seated herself at the very corner of the long table and witnessed the food before her; it was barbecued chicken fillet with fresh vegetables. Simple, but the aroma made her mouth water uncontrollably. She hasn't had a proper mean for over thirty bells now, and neither has Hwyn. Of course, there was no individual meal for him, but that was part of the plan. Luckily, Bryony hadn't forgotten to give him the violin on his way out of the cabin, so he was still carrying it.

"Hmm. I enjoy your music, Hwyn. Will you play another song for me? If I really like it, I might share some of my food with you."

There was no hint of malice in her voice, but the way she demonstratively put a piece of delicious chicken into her mouth and chewed on it with an elated look on her face, was teasing enough. The aroma of grilled poultry was beginning to spread through the dining hall tantalizingly.

by **Hwyn** on September 25th, 2016, 2:45 pm

Who Needs a Mute Canary?

It was an odd sort of feeling having his ear then head stroked, not one he found unpleasant but not exactly what he had expected, though it was a welcome surprise, for the moment things were comfortable and Hwyn was content, his chest hurt but the water felt ice, having his head stroked by Eva while not something he'd ever ask for was pleasant. Letting the moment go on Hwyn was happy that Evarista did enjoy having him around. If more days followed this sort of suit... no... he really should not allow contentedness he... he had other goals... he wanted to play music... he wanted.... new dresses.... there were things... he wanted... Couldn't he get them here though? What was the phrase... don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Right?

Getting out of the bath when Byrony signaled that the time was Over Hwyn toweled off and continued to avoid watching Evarista now that she was out of the bath, even if he'd just bathed with the woman he'd avoided looking at her much, and for politeness's sake and his own nerves he'd continue to do so. Following Eva he brought his violin with him happy to have the feel of the worn wood in his hands once again, watching Eva totter off he did wonder if she was feeling the effects of the wine she'd drunk in the bath still, if that was one thing he'd have to watch with Eva it was her tendency to drink, he'd known drunks before sailors were prone to the condition but an alcoholic of Eva's pedigree was a tad different so he'd have to be wary with her when she was drinking. Not deigning to answer when Evarista asked about a late lunch Hwyn followed, he was not a fan of rhetorical questions that people so favored, it was like a trick to tell someone what you were going to do while giving you the illusion of having an opinion about it. Well. that was simply how some people were.

When they got to the dining hall and a meal was prepared for Eva Hwyn noticed the lack of a meal for himself, how... unpleasant, the offer Eva made about food however confirmed an unpleasant suspicion he had. He would do well to remember that Eva valued her control over others and when she offered food in return for a performance hwyn sighed inwardly, it was a bit of a slap in the face but realistically it made sense, you work, you eat. or at least this was true if you were beholden to others, Eva was free of some of the rules that confined the rich. A right earned by birth and blood, not that thinking about it much would do him any good. Nodding solemnly Hwyn frowned for a moment he'd do well to remember himself and his pride... What pride Hwyn...? Internally this was irritating but if the woman wanted to hear him play, he'd play for her. after all, it wasn't like he had anything better to be doing.

Sighing Hwyn drew the bow across the strings and began to play something... this time it would be less somber and more folksy. The trick with folk type music was less about accurate timing and notation, and more about setting, pulling a thin smile across his face he tapped on of his feet to the beat of the song, Hwyn really should learn to sing he thought to himself but using his voice was such an embarrassing thought. Something he'd rather avoid. Spinning on one heel Hwny performed and tried to add motion to the song. It was more or less compensation but he was having a bit of fun as he tapped his feet and swayed from side to side as he played. The exertion from the little jig got his heart pumping and his small chest heaving as he sped up his movements when the song climaxed before drawing out one final note only to Bow and finish with a cutesy little back and forth note. Giving Eva a genuine smile Hwyn hoped that the performance was to her liking, some people liked different types of music but he wasn't sure what her particualr taste was in this case.

Musical inspiration :

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

Completed Who Needs a Mute Canary?