A letter from the lord

Kael leads her to the living room, and sits down on a chair, opening the letter Lord Greyheart sent. He waves towards the other chairs. “Go ahead and sit.”

She does so, though her eyes dart fearfully towards the basin Kael had been using to clean his hands. The bloodstained rag still hangs from the rim. Cursing himself for not removing it earlier, he stands, dragging the basin away. When he returns to his chair, the elf is watching him, though she immediately lowers her gaze when she sees him look back at her.

He looks at her for a moment. Elven ages are impossible to guess by appearance. Elves don’t age like humans do, remaining vibrant and beautiful until the day they die. It’s one of the reasons they are favored as household servants. From her fear and nervousness, however, Kael guesses that she’s only recently become an adult, likely around 19 or 20 years old.

Opening the envelope, Kael pulls out a folded paper. The letter is written in Lord Greyheart’s hand, bold and clear lettering. Putting the elf from his mind for a moment, he reads.

Champion Kael

I expect that by now you are confused and upset by my gift. I understand your feelings, your dislike of slavery. Despite your attempts to keep it hidden, it is no secret to me. Believe me when I say, this is not an attempt to undermine your feelings. Instead, it is an offering of support.

I’ve seen it in your eyes, Kael. Your duty haunts you. You are one of the greatest of my champions, but the burden you bear weighs on you heavily. Your solitude only compounds it. You need support.

And that’s where the elf comes in. She is young, but she rated highly in her training. She is held back by her fear, and would not do well in most homes. Your empathy will serve you well with her. Gain her trust, and she will help you shoulder your burdens. Use her as you see fit.

I hope to see you well.

Lord of the realm of Foresthearth, Vincent Greyheart

Kael sighs, setting the letter down. Looking over at the elf, he sees that she hasn’t moved, still seated in the chair across from him, her eyes downcast and her hands folded in her lap. She looks…sad. And scared. And, if Kael is honest with him…she’s quite pretty.

Use her as you see fit.

An odd phrase, considering everything. Kael wonders what his lord meant by that. He shakes his head. Not the time. Other things to worry about for now.

Kael clears his throat. “So…I suppose we should decide what happens now.”