Months later...

You work hard at your job. It's not pleasant, but in doing it well you avoid Gregor's temper. You're fed reasonably well and have somewhere warm and dry to sleep, which is more than can be said for many people.

Lifting hay bales and shovels full of horse shit has also had quite the effect on your physique. While you weren't exactly skinny to begin with, manual labour has toned your muscles rather well. Your biceps are nicely rounded without bulging and your flat abdomen now displays a subtle six pack.

Summer has rolled in and the weather has been unusually warm. You work topless, adding to your already developing tan. Having cleared the stables, you head to the well and pour a bucket of cold water over yourself, washing away the muck and sweat. You repeat, enjoying the cool water, drenching every inch of you.

The sound of hooves clopping along the cobbles makes you look up to see a rider heading to the stables. The bright blue cape marks him out as one of the nobles, but you don't recognise the face. He's not one of the normal nobles in residence. He's red haired, fair skinned, and you'd guess he's in his early thirties. As he approaches, he locks eyes with you, piercing emerald.

"Stable boy!" he says, his accent strangely lilting, almost melodic. "Take care of my horse. Where is the steward? I've had a long journey"

"Sorry m'lord, the steward is away hunting with the Lord of the Manor. He won't be back for some time. I can see if there's anyone..." you begin.

"No, that's fine. You'll do" he says, slipping gracefully out of his saddle, his tone more friendly than you would have expected.

"But I'm not a valet..." you begin

"You are now" he says with a grin "or shall I tell the steward you defied a noble?"

You shake your head and go pale. You quickly attend to his horse, removing the harness and saddle, then brushing its flanks. All the while, the nobleman watches you.

"So, what's your name? " he asks

"Eric" you say, almost stammering. The nobleman's gaze is invasive and unnerving.

"Is there anything to drink Eric?" he asks.

You quickly head into the stables and retrieve a wine skin. Not great stuff, but refreshing at least. You hand it over and he takes a long swig, wiping a few drops from his short beard.

"That was a long ride. My legs are stiff. Rub them for me." he commands.