Progress

Kael speaks, trying to keep his voice soft. “So, what is your name?”

The elf hesitates, wringing her hands, before speaking for the first time. “It’s Evie, master.”

There’s a tremor to her voice, betraying her fear, as if it wasn’t obvious. Kael waits to see if she will say anything more, but she remains silent. He nods, having expected that.

“Evie. That’s a lovely name. Welcome to my home, Evie. Are you hungry?”

She hesitates again, and then nods. Kael stands up, and she cringes slightly. He wonders what she must think of him. After all, her first impression was a bloody wash basin, and the obvious weapon racks. No doubt she’s heard rumors of what some slaves endure at the hands of abusive masters.

Kael heads into his kitchen. Like the rest of his house, it’s large and well appointed. Only the best for lord’s champions. In the corner is an enchanted icebox, always full of fresh food. Knowing that elves don’t eat meat, Kael takes out some fruits and vegetables. Cutting up a variety, he lays them out in a plate and returns to the living room, where Evie is still sitting in silence.

She seems startled when he holds out the plate, looking from the array of food to his face. Kael smiles, kindly. “Go on, take it. Sorry if I made too much, I’m used to the amount I eat.”

After a moment, she takes the plate, but doesn’t start eating. Kael settles back in his chair. “Go ahead, eat up.”

He realizes that she’s probably never had food like this, **** food typically being flavorless gruel or other barely palatable things. She probably expects this to be some kind of test or trick. Elves are not like kobolds and goblins, who are almost pathetically eager to please their masters. But they’re also not like the infamously stubborn dwarves, or the practically feral orcs. Intelligent and cautious, elves take time to trust, but once they give it, they’re famously loyal.

Gain her trust, the letter said. Easier said than done, but if that’s what Lord Greyheart wishes, then Kael will obey. He smiles at Evie, who still isn’t eating.

“Don’t worry, there’s no trick. I won’t hurt you. You have my word.”

She looks up, her eyes meeting his, finally. After a few moments, she nods, and picks up a slice of fruit. Kael nods as she takes a small bite.

“There you go. Now, while you eat, I suppose I can introduce myself. Did they tell you who I am?”

Evie swallows the fruit. “No, master.”

“Well, that’s a good place to start, then. You eat and I’ll talk. Sound good?”

She nods, taking another small bite. Despite her hesitation at first, Kael can see her enjoying the flavors in how quickly she begins to eat. Sitting back, he thinks of where to begin.