Dawn breaks

Kael’s eyes open as dawn’s light peeks through the windows. He’s a bit startled to realize that he fell asleep at some point. Even more startling is the fact that he wasn’t awoken by horrific nightmares. Whatever else happened, Evie’s powers worked, at least for one night.

Speaking of Evie, Kael realizes that he’s alone in the room. She must have slipped out at some point, though how he didn’t wake is a mystery. Kael is usually a very light sleeper, but it seems he slept more deeply last night. It speaks to her ability, as well as to how it felt to have her at his side.

Kael slides out of bed, returning to his room to get dressed. Along the way he catches the sound and scent of breakfast being made once again. And also the sound of…humming? Strange. Kael clothes himself, putting on what could be considered a uniform, a pair of dark pants and a green shirt. He is due to report to Lord Greyheart today, after all.

Making his way to the kitchen, he practically runs over Evie, who is heading to the dining room, her arms laden with plates of food. Narrowly avoiding knocking her over, Kael steps aside. Evie pauses, looking up at him with a smile on her face.

It takes a moment for that to register to Kael. She’s…smiling. That’s new. And it sounds like she’s humming to herself as she walks to the table, laying out food for breakfast. Curious, Kael follows her. Once she finishes laying things out, she turns to him, still smiling.

“Good morning, master! It seems you slept well.”

Kael nods. “I did, and I think I have you to thank for it. So…thank you.”

Evie bows. “I’m glad I could serve you master. And thank you for staying with me. You truly are a guardian, and you kept me feeling safe.”

Kael shrugs. “It was nothing, really. It’s nice to see you so happy today, though.”

Evie bows again. “I am happy, master. I feel good. Lucky to have a caring and kind master.”

Kael sighs. “Well, if it makes you happy, then that is good. Still not entirely comfortable with the whole situation, but…”

Evie nods. “I know, master. But I believe things will work out. I know…more than I should about you, master. And your concern is touching. And appreciated. I know what I am, and where I belong. I couldn’t have hoped for a better master.”

Kael thinks about that as he sits down for breakfast. Evie is probably right. After all, she knows what was in his head. And it’s unlikely that she would be treated as well by a more willing owner. Kael grimaces at that word, but he can’t lie to himself. He is technically a **** owner, unwilling as it is. The thing is, he already feels like things are better now that she’s here.

He still has questions, of course. What is the source of her unusual powers? Who were her parents? As far as Kael knows, even slaves get to keep their children, at least until adolescence. What’s so special about Evie? Bernal had said that there are special things about her that she doesn’t even know, and the old man doesn’t lie about things like that.

Many questions, few answers. Perhaps Kael can ask Lord Greyheart about it today.

Breakfast is once again wonderful, and it’s somehow made better by the slight smile on Evie’s face as she nibbles at her fruit. Kael eats well, better than he usually does. Whatever else is going on, Evie is a fantastic cook.

She looks across the table at him. “Master, what are we doing today?”

Kael sighs. “You’ll be on your own for a while today. I am to report to Lord Greyheart. I’ll get briefed on what’s next then. Will you be okay here?”

Evie nods. “Yes, master. I will await your return.”

Kael shakes his head. “Still weird being called master. I suppose I’ll get used to it. Regardless, I have nothing specific for you to do today. You’re smart, I think you can keep busy. Don’t overdo it, though. I don’t want you to exhaust yourself.”

Finishing her food, she stands, bowing once again. “Of course, master. I won’t disappoint you!”

Kael watches her clearing the table for a moment, before standing up himself. As he walks away, he once again hears her humming a tune. What a change in her already.

He makes his way to the storage room, unlocking the door and heading inside. The walls are lined with weapon racks and armor stands, and Kael selects a simple mail shirt for today. Over this, he wears a tabard bearing the symbol of Lord Greyheart, a blue shield on a field of green. Upon the shield are two white, downward facing arrows, crossed in the center. Kael selects a weapon, a broad bladed sword, which he straps to his belt.

A tall mirror stands at one end of the room. Looking himself over, Kael nods in satisfaction. He leaves the room, closing and locking it behind him. As he begins to exit the house, he can hear Evie cleaning up. Knowing she’s here somehow makes things easier. Knowing she’ll be here when he returns…it’s a strange, but pleasant sensation. Odd.