Completed Who Needs a Mute Canary?

[Evarista]

Evarista closed her eyes and chewed her food slowly, letting Hwyn's auditory performance sweeten the taste. It was amazing how much difference the addition of music made to any mundane activity. For the most part, unless her favorite foods were being served, she saw meals as an unpleasant chore to get over with. However, the sound of the violin added a festive touch to the experience that somehow made even plain food enjoyable. Resting her temple on her palm, she watched Hwyn's jig, one corner of her lips turned up as she chewed a piece of tomato. Yes, she could definitely get used to this. When he finished his performance and bowed, Evarista felt a pang of impatience, as she wanted him to continue playing. While she could demand another tune right away, she knew that it wasn't the right thing to do. He has showed effort, and it had to be rewarded. She didn't offer any applause or words of praise. Instead, she silently beckoned him over, and gestured him to sit down at the table next to her. She had made him a promise, and now she was going to fulfill it. She didn't need to tell him whether he did well or not; she was not going to praise or scold him, as she found such dramatics irritating, regardless whether she was on the giving or the receiving end. Her responses would be shown through action. "Close your eyes and open your mouth." It was time for another round of 'grape or beetle', and another opportunity to confirm that, as long as the boy behaved to her liking, there would be only grapes. On the other hand, if he slipped up, there would be no verbal warning before her silent retribution. Perhaps he would understand this before he had to suffer it, but no man is perfect, and it was only a matter of time. However, there was no reason to even think of those things right now, because he has given her nothing but good entertainment so far. Forking a decent-sized piece of chicken and then a similar piece of salad, she held his chin gently and inserted the food into his open mouth, letting him chew and swallow before continuing to feed him. This was rather amusing in its own right, and it didn't take long before the plates were empty. Since there was only one portion for both of them, the meal wasn't extremely filling, but enough to dampen hunger and raise moods. This wasn't the end, though. Lightly touching the boy's eyelids as if to forbid him from raising them yet, Evarista poured up a splash of water from the carafe the servant brought along with the food. On top of that, she added a splash of wine. She hasn't touched the wine during the meal itself, but now that the buzz from her last intake has largely worn off, she decided to go for a refill. However, the glass of diluted wine she was currently holding wasn't meant for herself. Holding Hwyn's chin gently again, she touched his lower lip with the corner of the glass, warning him that there was a liquid on the way. The gradual tilt of the glass let a thin stream of the beverage pour into his mouth. This wine was sweeter than the sort she usually drank, and mixing it with water would make it easier to consume for someone not used to alcohol, which she assumed to be the case with Hwyn. This would also mean that even a little nectar would be enough to get him tipsy. Ah, the magic of wine, such wonders it worked on the feeble human mind. The lowering of guards, the untying of tongues, the loss of inhibitions, the suffusion of time, space and everything in-between. He had to experience it. The boy's high-strung demeanor had a certain charm, but she wanted to see him relax, and the red elixir was the most potent shortcut. He's been exceedingly polite and cautious in his communication so far, and the strain with which he chose his words was hardly invisible, even to someone as dense as her. Once the inebriation put a crack in that massive wall he put up around himself, who knows what might seep out? Serving a splash of wine to herself as well, the young aristocrat took a deep swig and wrapped a friendly arm around her blonde companion's shoulders. She wanted to sing something. Strange; this might be the first time she ever got that urge. Moreover, she didn't really know any songs. Without thinking too much about it, she 'sang' whatever came to mind, following the melody of Hwyn's last performance, while making up the lyrics on the fly. When he opened his eyes again, she met his gaze point-blank. The world was still monochrome to her, except for Hwyn's eyes, for whatever reason. They seemed like portals to a better world, and she didn't care about the whys and hows, she just wanted to enjoy the moment. "In the li-ight of your eyes I found mirth, I found smiles From the clo-ouds of your skies It shines color, it... hic! ...rains pies?" Eh. It didn't need to make sense. Tugging his shoulder as a signal to sing along, she repeated the couplets, waving her wine glass around in tact with the melody. The breathy and largely monotone drone of her voice proved that her throat was simply not made for singing, but that didn't matter; this wasn't the opera. Content with the questionably artistic diversion, she refilled her own glass, as well as mixed more lightweight solution for Hwyn, pushing the glass towards him insistently. "Fufufu... say, that story you were telling me at the café, about the fluttering bird... you never told me how it ended." Although her voice and movements were still soft and friendly, her eyes drilled him with an unblinking, deadpan stare.

[Hwyn]

Who Needs a Mute Canary?

Allowing himself to be fed, it was a strange feeling, one one hand there were those who might say such a thing was cute, Hwyn had seen young couples do such things at the cafe, but this was a tad different it wasn't just one bite Eva was feeding him, but an entire meal, it was sort of heard to keep his eyes closed through the entire process but he didn't want to lose out on a meal by displeasing Eva... though such a thought was just evidence that he now depended on Evarista if he wanted to eat. That was a tad depressing, but... he could handle it, it wasn't like he had to worry about a shortage of food.

When the beverage came to Him Hwyn was surprised when instead of water he was given wine, he wanted to refuse the drink, he wasn't keen on alcohol to being with, that said he didn't really have any from ground to stand on to refuse the offer so he drank slowly, the feeling of Evarista's hands guiding him was not entirely unpleasant, her hands unlike his felt pleasantly cool and soft. That said the drink was sweet not hard like the alcohols some preferred so he found himself able to stomach it appreciating the warmth it carried. After that he was allowed to open his eyes again but the sight he saw was an odd one to say the least, Evarista had an arm wrapped about his shoulder and she looked... merry, or merry for her at any rate, he was beginning to wonder if her regular smile was just too akin to a grimace.

When she began to sing Hwyn had to suppress a giggle at the odd verse, it was not something he'd have ever sung or heard anywhere but a tavern, that said Eva had been drinking since the bath, so she'd had a while to put alcohol in her system, maybe it was really starting to get to her. He wouldn't wasn't one to join in but because his violin wasn't in reach and Evarista's hold on him was tight, so he was forced to sing along.

Matching her pacing Hwyn's slight experience with music allowed him to find the tune, that said her voice didn't have any notes so he'd have to create notes in her tune... or he didn't have to... he wanted to.

"In the li-ight of your eyes
I found mirth, I found smiles
From the clo-ouds of your skies
It shines color, it... hic! ...rains pies?"

The tune was... sort of seven beats per line... though the way it was song words stretched in some awkward ways that said joining his voice with her's her voice and his were both lighter on the spectrum of sound so harmonized as well as two voices of people who couldn't sing could. He smiled with her though still find the experience a tad embarrassing. But as the woman was winding down, or... Hwyn thought she was winding down she forced another cup of wine on him. Drinking it without considering the repercussions Hwyn began to experience warmth really blossom in his stomach as his cheeks started to flush for no apparent reason. when she asked as to how the story with the bird went hwyn frowned.... until he remembered what it was she was talking about.

"If I'm not mistaken.... I think the bird found that sometimes cages... were safer that the world outside of them so it kept flying... until it found a cage owned by someone who was kinder... and it blessed that person with songs as often as it was wished... Of course.. I don't remember word for word... I only think that that was how it went...."

Was he really ok with that ending... he guessed he was for now... it wasn't' like it mattered all that much anyway... was just a story after all.

"Uhmm Miss.. Evarista... I'll try to learn more stories if that would please you.... or anything really.. I'm no songbird but... I'm happy to.... I'm happy to.... make you happy?"

He found some difficulty finding the words he wanted to use but... those were fine right... making people happy felt good, he liked to make people happy his music made people happy so he enjoyed playing vicariously... shouldn't he have just offered to play more then... now... his words were open to... thought be differently... well.... not like he cared, Eva was nice to him... right? The fact that she'd branded him was trying to hide itself under a pool of wine.It was better to forget the negative things right?

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

[Evarista]

The cage was safer than the outside world. Turning the stem of her glass idly with her fingers, Evarista repeated the phrase in her mind. The boy continued his disjointed story, oblivious to the magnitude of those words. Once a vague suspicion, now he has confirmed it as truth; the 'story' he told at the café was a piece of his own biography. Slightly abstracted and slightly embellished, but a true story none the less, and its continuation was unfolding right here, seen through his vibrant eyes. He said he wanted to learn more stories, but the only interesting story was this one. He wanted a sequel. She wanted a sequel. Sometime in the future, after a decent round of wine, he'd tell her how it all unfolded through his eyes. She wanted it. It wasn't akin to hearing to a heartfelt admission, or making someone open up to you, but more akin to gradually and subtly stripping the soul until it was completely naked, all the while ogling it rudely. He was happy to make her happy because he was oblivious, and she wanted him to remain so. Forever. "I'm glad, Hwyn." She pulled him a little closer towards her in a small hug. "Let's be happy together." Her words were genuine, even if the intentions behind them were not. Her blissful moment was interrupted by the manservant, who apologetically entered the room to clean off the table. Apparently, the kitchen was already in the middle of preparing dinner. Soon, the hall would be filled with insufferable people, and Evarista understood that she had to make her escape before that happened. Getting surrounded by her relatives' upturned snouts or, Rhysol forbid, getting caught in a conversation with them would completely ruin the shaky semblance of serenity she has built up over the course of the day. That serenity depended on her company, and at the Nitrozian estate, company was too easily soured by undesirables. There was no choice but to hide, skulk in the shadows, and act like a stranger in your own home to avoid all of this. Rising to her feet, Evarista wiped her mouth with her sleeve rudely and strode out of the room, pulling Hwyn by the hand. The boy's had two decently sized glasses of wine, diluted as they were, so he might have needed some support to walk in a straight line, but she had to get away from the dining hall. Her feet automatically took her in the direction of her room, as that's where she always hid after chores such as meals were over with. However, a new thought struck her before she could reach the stairs, making her turn on her heels and change direction, Hwyn still pulled along. He would receive his own room as well, wouldn't he? "Let's take a look at your new corner. Your clothes and such should already be there, we just... hmm. We just need to find where it is." Now that they were away from the busier pasts of the blooded residence, Evarista slowed her pace to a more leisurely walk. rushing around too much after eating and drinking wasn't a good idea, after all. Besides, she wasn't sure where she was supposed to look for the place. She half-hoped that Bryony would come to her rescue like she usually did, but the maid was nowhere to be seen. Ah, well. Might just head to the slave quarters and ask there; someone else might know. They walked across the garden again, though now the sun was much lower. It felt like so much has happened today, but despite that, time passed so quickly. Funny thing, her normal days were exactly the other way around. Having arrived at the slave building, Evarista paused and looked around her, trying to make sense of the narrow corridors and low ceilings. She practically never set foot here, and the place felt unfamiliar and a tad claustrophobic. The passages weren't really wide enough for two people, so it took some effort squeezing by the residing slaves, who gave her confused glances in their own right. A blooded family member walking in here was probably not a common sight, and Evarista understood why. She didn't want to stay here for too long, either. After several unsuccessful attempts to ask for directions and receiving only timid apologies in return, she was finally pointed towards a single room on the top floor. Sheesh, these were some shabby stairs. She almost tripped twice when trying to ascend them, and it was difficult to move around even considering that the surprised residents hugged the walls to make way for her. They finally reached the right door, though the nameplate on it wasn't Hwyn's, but a foreign-sounding name that Evarista couldn't pronounce. Oh yeah, this fellow. Like Hwyn, he was a freshly captured foreign traveler. Unfortunately, no one took the time to properly teach him the code of conduct. During the very first days of his service, he got into a heated argument with Baratieri, who got so angry that he ended up chopping the slave's head off on the spot. Messy. It didn't happen in this room though, so it should be nice enough. Someone just needed to get the name sign changed. Naturally, the new resident didn't need to know that whole story or any part of it. The door was thin and had no lock, so it proved no obstacle to their entry. The room itself was decidedly tiny. The ceiling wasn't much taller than Evarista herself, and the girl wouldn't be able to spread out her arms fully in here. There was a low-set bunk across the entire space, and a wooden cube that was probably supposed to be a dresser. On top of the dresser sat a neat stack of women's clothes, most certainly belonging to Hwyn. Evarista picked up the garment on the very top of the pile, a pair of red panties with lace trim, and examined them curiously for a few moments before putting them back and shooting the owner a smirk of approval. "Huhu. Fancy! Wear these tomorrow." Wanting to experiment with the room a bit more, she sat down on the bunk, which squeaked in distress under her modest weight. The small square window above the head of the bunk was clearly more for ventilation than for giving the residents a good view of the outside world. This room seemed like a real prison, but if she could help it, Hwyn wouldn't be staying here for long periods. After all, she wanted him to be at her side; he wouldn't do her much good while cooped up in this stuffy cubicle. However, she still had to give him a choice. "Hmm. This is your room, then. You can stay here for the evening, if you want. Relax, catch your bearings; I'm sure you need that. Bryony will help you out if you need anything." She rose from the bunk, whose long-abused materials let out an audible sigh of relief, and pushed open the door to leave, but stopped halfway. Without turning her head to face him, she gave him the alternative in a quieter tone. "... or, you can come with me to my room." Without waiting for a response, she let the door close behind her and set course out of the slave annex. She's been in this hole for less than ten chimes and she was already tired of it. Hwyn, well, she didn't know about him. He's been to her room already, so it wasn't like he couldn't make an educated comparison of his options. Not only of the quality of the lodgings themselves, of course, as joining her would involve her continued company long into the evening... and the risks such an evening would bring with it.

[Hwyn]

Who Needs a Mute Canary?

When the meal was over, and Hwyn's story was finished he found himself being pulled into a hug and had unexpected words, Not something he had expect to hear, perhaps Eva had a softer side to her, though all indicators of how the day had gine simply continued Hwyn's largest theory about Evarista, she was lonely, and she; act kindly or violently to prevent herself from becoming lonely, likely why she was happy to keep Hwyn around, not that Hywn minded, if there was one emotion he and Evarista might be able to connect on it was possibly loneliness. Hwyn sighed happily when Evarista embraced him it was not something that he experienced often but the sensation was welcome.

Enevitably Evarista's game of show and tell continued, this time, they were heading somewhere new, though then again in such a big house pretty much everywhere was new to him.where they were going was a tad unique, It didn't hurt that Eva again seemed to enjoy showing him about, dragging him by the hand Hwyn found the ease with wich Eva pulled him about the place amusing. Making their way to the slaves quarters Hwyn remained in Evarista's shadow as she navigated her way through the quarters looking for Hwyn's new room when they finally found it Hwyn looked it over ambivalently it wasn't much, small a but cramped and not designed to look nice. However, it was his room, not that he owned it as it was given to him, but he wasn't paying to love in it, the bed and dresser were his, it was a nice feeling to know he had a place to call his own. As Eva examined his belongings Hwyn frowned a bit, not that it was his place to say anything about her rummaging through his things, Hwyn had to chuckle when she asked him to wear the pair of red underwear tomorrow, she really was willful wasn't she? Just doing as she pleased.

As she stood to leave she again gave him a rhetorical question, it really must be a hobby of hers, she really wasn't one to ever say exactly what she wanted unless she was teasing him, that said he'd yet to say no to her once today, and the day had been pleasant for it. That said was following a semi-drunk Evarista back up stairs something he wanted to do. He was naive, intentionally so at times but he knew that after a certain time it became unwise to have people as company, However Evarista considered him a girl if her behavior over the course of the day meant anything, the fact that under his clothes he was male seemed to bring Evarista no displeasure so on that note it was probably safer to be with her than it would be to be with a man. Nodding quietly Hwyn decided to follow Eva, his only wish was that instead of vaguely inviting him she'd just say she wanted his company, though all day she'd been behaving thusly, it simply wasn't in her nature to be direct, he'd have to get used to it. Perhaps it was just the alcohol now in his system talking but Hwyn was decidedly content to be lead about, he really did need to take some time at some point to learn as much as he could about Eva. That said in her current state she might be a bit more easy to question, so perhaps it was a good time to question her.

"Miss Evarsta... w-what are your favorite things?"

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

[Evarista]

After a few chimes of backtracking, Evarista made it out to the garden again, glad to leave the slave annex behind. She wasn't planning on returning here any time soon, and it was just as well that Hwyn was still behind her. Over the course of the day, he seems to have gotten the hint that he wasn't supposed to leave her side. Good. Now she wouldn't have to bother with cryptic rhetoric anymore. Actually, she wouldn't have to bother with any rhetoric at all, because she hated it. Oh, how wonderful things would be once he understood everything without words! There was still some time before they were in such perfect attunement, but she could already feel it build. Smirking to herself, the girl headed straight to her room, strides long and fast, threatening to leave her shorter-legged companion behind. There was no environment she was more pleased to be pursuing than her room. Her sacrosanct, and the only place in the world where she was completely in charge. The alcohol made her body light, as if she was hovering through the air to her destination. As she was about to submerge deeper into her thoughts, the boy trailing behind her asked a very strange question. Favorite things? Why would he be interested in that? What did it mean, even? The initial confusion was enough to make her dismiss the question internally, not deigning to take it seriously. This was not something to be told, it was something to be shown. He'd see soon enough and come to his own conclusions. Rambling about herself interested the young aristocrat even less than listening to others do the same about themselves. She wouldn't ignore him, however. He deserved a truthful reply, so as not to leave him hanging, and not to create any illusions. "You'll see." She flew up the stairs, supporting her unsteady body on the elaborate railings as she strode over two stair steps at a time, heartbeat rising as she rode the inertia along the top floor corridor, overcoming the distance in moments. Her door was inviting her back. Still without slowing down, she stormed through the room and threw herself on the bed, enjoying the moment of weightlessness as her body was bounced by the elastic material. This was something entirely different from the morbid excuse for furniture she touched at the slave building, and oh how glad she was that this bed was hers. Spread diagonally across the large bed, she laid still for a rather long time, her head buried in a pillow. It was getting uncomfortable, but now that she has laid herself down and relaxed, getting up was suddenly a big challenge. A challenge she'd have to admit defeat in. Only the dwindling air supply finally made her strain enough to flip over onto her back and stare at the ceiling blankly. It was quiet. She was sure Hwyn was in the room somewhere, but she couldn't be bothered to turn her head and check. It was easier to raise her hand instead, which she did in the boy's general direction, then waving for his attention briefly. "Maestro." She snapped her fingers once before letting her arm fall down limply again. "Play me a lullaby..." Her voice trailed off at the end, as even talking was strenous. It was too early to sleep, but she wanted to hear something calm, and these moments of doing absolutely nothing were secretly her favorite thing in the world. Hah! There he had an answer to his question. Her favorite thing was nothing. She wouldn't be opposed to telling him this straight out, but she didn't want to say anything more, simply lying scattered across the bed like a spilled sack of potatoes and listening to the sound of the violin. She wanted him to play; she wanted him to play and never stop, to drown out everything with music so that she would never have to hear anything else. Yes, drown out those things. Those things. If she was submerged in silence, those things would come out to play. Nightmarish, unspeakable things that have been plaguing her ever since she returned home, the things that drove her to insanity, and also the things that drove her out of the house and to the café. The things that made her decide to pick up the branding iron. She has always loved the silence so much, but now it was her greatest enemy. Internally, she pleaded the music to continue as a heavy, suffocating feeling spread through her body. Laying down unleashed a wave of fatigue she hadn't noticed she had. The awkward morning with her father, the lengthy hot soak and the remarkably protracted social experience with her new slave took the energy out of her quickly. She wasn't used to this at all, and now that she felt the weight pressing down her body, she doubted she wanted to get used to it. She wouldn't be able to handle this every day; a realization that struck her with a pang of worry. She's been idle for too long. Her mind was too atrophied to make a return to the social world. The adult world. It was simply not for her. But what was the alternative? Gathering her willpower, the girl rose to a sitting position and swung her feet down from the bed. Her gaze caught the desk. Strangely, she wasn't in the mood to drink anymore, and wanted to drop back onto the bed, but forced herself to stand up in the end, and shuffled over the window with a hunched posture. Resting her elbows on the windowsill, she cast the glass jar one affectionate glance before directing her eyes towards the sunset. It had barely begun; she seldom took the time to appreciate it, but there was an urge now. Without moving anything other than her mouth, she quietly invited the boy behind her. "Join me." There was just enough room for three at the windowsill; Evarista, Hwyn and Archibald. The view from the window was amazing, they were high up enough that the city and the lake were both revealed clearly; she should really make use of it more often. The red sun gave the roofs of the city a copper sheen, while visibly reflecting in the lake and painting the clouds a bloody color. It was almost as if she could see the colors; her mind filled in the blanks and made the experience pleasant. Tilting her head to the side, she shifted her drooping stare to Hwyn, her eyes looking through him as if he was transparent. "Hmmh..." She didn't manage much more than a long exhalation. In that moment, there was nothing she wanted to say. Standing at the windowsill like this would have given her nothing if she was by herself, but somehow his presence made it enjoyable, even though they weren't doing or saying anything exciting. It was really strange how that worked. She reached out idly and stroked his blonde hair, soft and light after being washed. Is this why people enjoy the company of pets? Company that was pleasant because of itself, and not because of the efforts and embellishments by the companions. She understood that she would come to love such company of a pet as much as she hated the company of humans. Pets didn't need to say or do anything specific to be good company, they just needed to be there.

[Hwyn]

Who Needs a Mute Canary?

Cryptic as always Eva’s answer to his question didn’t give him anything to work with beyond that he might get answers at a later time. Not that he was surprised at this point it seemed that it was not just in her nature to de direct unless she had to be. Frowning in response Hwyn followed Evarista back to her room pondering just what made the woman tick.

Upon reaching their destination Hwyn watched Eva unceremoniously fall into her bed only to grumble quietly into her pillows. When she finally rolled over and addressed Hwyn it was another request for him to play, not that he was particularly surprised by this she’d been begging songs out of him all day, though that said it meant she likely enjoyed the sounds he produced which was flattering. She wanted a lullaby this time, hwyn didn’t know any lullabies it wasn’t something that was ever requested of him, that said he did know mellow and soft notes, so those would have to do. Slowly drawing the bow across the strings Hwyn stood by Evarista’s bed and played a slow melody as he came up with transitions on the slide, it was one thing Hwyn figured, to play songs, but something else entirely to make your own sounds, Hwyn had been making his owns sounds since he started due to a lack of any formal teaching, so for once his street smarts so to speak, favored him. Hwyn played as always with his eyes closed as he looked for the notes he wanted, the song didn’t loop or repeat much as new notes and jigs made their way into the soft cycle that was the song he was playing, it went on for some time, because it was no song or simple tune it felt like it was the longest he’d played today just because since it came directly from his head, it had no real end. He finally quit playing when Eva rose from her bed and invited him over to the windowsill with her.

Taking his place at her side Hwyn was awed at the russet and golden hued view of the city and lake. It really was gorgeous for a place that held some terrifying secrets. Dead bodies and giant spiders, all manner of things that made him want to stand inside. As Hwyn was thinking he felt a hand begin to muss through his hair. It wasn’t an unwelcome feeling even if a tad demeaning. If doing so made her happy he didn’t mind, the dark circles under Eva’s eyes looked slightly better but exhaustion was still evident in her countenance.

“Miss Eva…. This is a beautiful view….”

He wanted to say more… offer to bring her some sort of rest or comfort but the only worthwhile thing about him to her was probably his music, he could play her another song if she wanted, but in this particular moment Eva’s gaze as she tiredly watched the city spoke of years of unpleasant living… or…. Stagnation… or maybe she really was just exhausted, either way it wasn’t his place to say anything more.

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

[Evarista]

Having zoned out, Evarista continued staring over the city with unseeing eyes. She tried to remember the tune he had played just now, but couldn't recall the melody at all. His music seemed different this time; there was no structure. The girl wasn't particularly interested in the technicalities of music, so she couldn't tell why it was so. Her inability to catch the slippery melody only confirmed that the music has left no impression on her. She only enjoyed it while it lasted. Maybe Hwyn wasn't skilled enough, or maybe she was simply too insensitive. Evarista's hands gripped the corner of the windowsill as she leaned forward and looked down into the water. She really wanted to climb onto the roof and bring Hwyn with her, show him her secret place where no one went. It was even better than the room. No one could ever disturb her up there. Oh, if it wouldn't be great to just sprawl out on the roof and stare at the dusky sky now. Letting go of the windowsill with her right hand, the girl stared at the appendage hatefully, clenching and unclenching her fist slowly. She couldn't go to her favorite place because of this thing. These five soft and clumsy digits that weren't good for anything. This is the first time since she has come back that she thought about morphing, and she knew it wasn't even worth trying. Her djed was a wrung-out rag, just like her body. The first emotion was frustration, but it was quickly replaced by melancholy. She had only two joys in life, and one of them has been taken away from her. She didn't know if she would ever get it back. Casting the jar on the windowsill a tired glance, she turned around and shuffled back to the bed, her posture even more hunched than before. Archibald's lessons might have been in vain. She might have to live the rest of her life in her stunted human body. The mere thought caused a surge of pessimism that purged all remaining energy from her, and she crumpled onto the bed without any will to move anymore. She wasn't getting up again today, that much she was certain of. After a long while of nothing but slow and heavy breathing, she finally began moving again and crawled under the covers, not bothering to undress. Finding Hwyn with her gaze, she beckoned him to come over and sit down with one gesture. The situation was reversed from the morning now, was it? Now he was sitting on her bed, but he still looked as timid and vulnerable as he had been in the morning. She gave a small smirk and spoke in a low voice, staring at him from under half-closed eyelids. "The maid headband suits you. Wear it often." Her hand reached out to his shoulder and pulled it gently but insistently towards the bed. "Come here..." Unlike every other time today, there was no ambiguity or evasiveness her voice. Pulling the boy into her grasp, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his fragrant blonde hair. There was nothing suggestive in her touch, she held him as if he was a stuffed animal or a body pillow. For the most part, he was exactly that, but there was one thing that elevated him above the status of an inanimate object: his heartbeat. Sensing it, the young aristocrat tightened her grip almost instinctively, hugging him with her entire body in an attempt to get closer to the rhythm pulsing inside of his chest, just beneath the print of her monogram. Vivid memories flooded her mind. They were horrific in nature, but they warmed her and made her smile, even compelling her to close her eyes for a better experience. The sounds and images from back then, the heartbeat that started it all. Somehow, it had found its way back into her possession. It took her a while to notice that she had started salivating profusely, and her limbs twitched slightly around him as if wanting to spin him in circles... as if wrapping him in silk. This heartbeat was her comfort. It felt like it was the only valuable thing she had, and she wasn't letting it go. What drove her to feel this? Loneliness? Maybe. No, that was certainly it. Somehow, the emotions of despising humans and at the same time longing for their company were not mutually exclusive. It was funny how the world worked. As Evarista drifted to a deep sleep with Hwyn wrapped in her arms, there was a desire creeping quietly in the background, one besides keeping the heartbeat close. The desire to consume it.

[Hwyn]

Who Needs a Mute Canary?

Watching Eva Hwyn found himself concerned, the woman hardly seemed like she was going to be able to stand much longer, she looked terribly worn out. As she walked away from the window ¬and laid on her bed she looked small, smaller than he was, it was just an illusion but seeing Evarista laying their filled him with an emotion akin to pity, someone so vulnerable. And yet she trusted him, he who had more reason to strike out at her than anyone. Yet… he couldn’t bring himself to do, she hadn’t earned it yet, he didn’t feel weak for it either, he had an inner solidarity, suffering didn’t bother him in small degrees, his freedom was no longer his own but he was not terribly changed for it, He was still himself new scars and old. So, letting this woman before him have a hold on his life fir now did not bring him much discomfort, he’d forgive her brand for now, and let her do as was her want. He didn’t think her evil yet, merely selfish.

While she was laying sprawled she beckoned him and gazed at him behind fluttering eyelids, she informed him that she liked how he looked with the headband on and implored him to wear it more often, fixing her with a gentle smile Hwyn passed off her words as the ramblings of someone who was hardly awake. But then she beckoned him again more lucidly than she had before. Coming to her Hwyn allowed himself to be pulled to her unsure of what her intentions were. When she pulled him into a tight hug, at first it was just a small gesture but then her grip tightened, As Eva pulled his face into her chest and wrapped her legs about him fully incasing him in her embrace. It was a unique position to be in, if not one he was prepared for, he wasn’t sure if she was just teasing him again or if there was something more to it but as he was about to object the soft breathing of his captor informed him that she was falling asleep, she just wanted closeness? Still it was awkward for Hwyn at least, he’d been held before, but not quite like this.

The closeness reminded him that he was not immune to the desires of his body even if he tried to ignore them fighting off any lusts that had momentarily swarmed his mind he decided it was better to not create problems for himself and let Eva sleep. Wrapping his own arms around Evarista Hwyn allowed himself to enjoy his current position for what it was, warmth and security for the first time since he’d come to ravok, for the moment he felt genuinely safe full and wanted, it was the closest to being happy he’d been in a very long time so to let this moment last as long as it could Hwyn nestled himself close to the other body and allowed sleep to take him.

Credit to Shimoje, the bestest buddy

[Sayana]

Don't forget to edit/delete your grade request. If there's anything I may have missed, please PM me and I'll be happy to look into it.

 

Evarista

Skills

• Observation: 5
• Flirting: 4
• Socialization: 5
• Intimidation: 2
• Interrogation: 1
• Hostessing: 5
• Rhetoric: 3
• Cosmetology: 1
• Singing: 1
• Musical Composition: 1
• Acrobatics: 1

Lores

• Bryony: Household maid
• Hwyn used to own a sword and violin
• Gaining trust and dispensing trust with new slave
• Hwyn: Plays the violin
• Bathing with Hwyn
• Hwyn: My pet
• Pets need three things: Food, exercise, attention
• Nitrozian Estate: Evarista's room, garden, bath cabin, dining hall, and Hwyn's room
• The magic of wine
• Rewarding a slave with food
• Composing simple lyrics with poor rhymes
• Simple song inspired by Hwyn's eyes
• Hwyn: Prefers a safe cage to the dangerous outdoors
• Reunited with that heartbeat

 

Hwyn

Skills

• Observation: 5
• Subterfuge: 1
• Socialization: 5
• Endurance: 2
• Cosmetology: 4
• Massage: 2
• Intelligence: 1
• Musical Instrument: Violin: 3
• Flirting: 1
• Dancing: 1
• Singing: 1
• Storytelling: 1
• Interrogation: 1
• Musical Composition: 1

Lores

• Caution is key when dealing with the unfamiliar
• Sitanos's request to take care of Evarista
• Archibald: Evarista's pet spider
• Cosmetology: Brushing another's hair
• Massage: Basic shoulder massage
• Socialization: Servant ettiquette
• Bryony: Evarista's household maid
• Memory of his mother in a bath
• Violin: Simple folk song
• Violin: Slow sombre song
• Dancing: Adding movement while playing the violin
• Being fed by Evarista
• Evarista's simple song
• Evarista: Controlling mistress but also lonely
• Nitrozian Estate: Evarista's room, garden, bath cabin, dining hall, and Hwyn's room
• Evarista: Indirect and cryptic
• Musical Composition: Mixing the familiar with the new
• Evarista: A strange embrace and a stranger relationship

Comments: Great thread establishing Hwyn's new role in Evarista's household. I liked their interactions with each other and unconventional sort of relationship. Evarista, you have a knack for vivid and interesting descriptions that make even a simple plot like this a rich read. Hwyn, I really enjoy his naïve nature mixed with the mature experiences of having already been a slave.

Your Grader,

Sayana

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