Are You My Mother? [Zero][Moonspear]

[GoblinFae]

"I won' I won' I won'!" Emma chanted over and over, her face firmly buried in Ashlar's shoulder. Her small hands clung tightly to his clothes, wrinkling the dark fabric in her iron-grip while silent sobs shook her petite frame. Hot tears flooded her cheeks and the fabric beneath them as the child struggled futilely to contain it. All she managed to do was make herself cherry red in the face and cry harder.

HoneyBlossom was squeezed so tightly between the two that his neck was squished completely flat, angling his head in what could only be described as the most uncomfortable position ever conceived. His presence proved to be little comfort to his owner though for Emma was inconsolable.

She had latched onto her temporary guardian like she had no other and now she found it impossible to let go. Like every child her age the concept that things could not remain was foreign to her. She wanted him near and he wanted her near, therefore why could it not be so? To be told that even her determination and desire would not be enough frightened her. Emma had been told that the world was hers and yet when she finally found something she wanted, she was told she would be denied it.

Exhausted and worn out from a long day and the effort of crying, her protests slowed and quieted until only a few faint mumbles tumbled past her lips. Her eyes felt sore and her breathing came in wet, rasping hiccups which she fought to keep quiet. She felt ashamed for crying. Ashlar was sad enough to begin with and now she had ruined his clothes and probably embarrassed him too while she was at it.

She sniffled and apologized brokenly only to start crying all over again. "I's sowwy!"

[Zero]

Ashlar held Emma close as she clung to him and cried. He let one hand slide soothingly up and down her back and made soft, comforting croons as he let the child cry. Sometimes you just needed to cry, he figured right now that was just what Emma needed. Let her cry herself out and then maybe he could think of a way to explain to her why they would be parted. Or try to come up with a way so that they could stay together. He liked that second plan better.

Finally she began to quiet and Ashlar slowly rocked with her. Her crying made him sad, but he was already beginning to cheer up. His mind had been made up, no matter what it took; he was going home with Emma. She was the perfect Master for him, and who better to take care of her than him? In his twisted mind there wasn't an answer to that, because there was no better arrangement. He could have his baby, and Emma could have a doting care-giver that did not ignore her, like he felt her parents did.

"Hush now, Miss Emma. Don't cry anymore. Ashlar isn't crying, see? Whatever it takes, Ashlar is going home with Miss Emma. Ashlar will take care of Miss Emma forever." The kitsune put on a smile for her and reached one hand up to lightly wipe away the tears from Emma's cheeks. "Shall we go tell Miss Emma's momma the good news?"

[GoblinFae]

Emma's grip loosened enough so that she could sit back in Ashlar's lap and look him in the eye. He was so good with her and she just did not understand. Her guardian certainly did not seem as upset as she imagined him being. Sure enough there was not a single tear on his face or glistening in his beautiful eye. She still reached up to pat his dry cheeks just in case her eyes were playing tricks on her.

Still no tears.

"But Mister Ashley Sir," she whispered sadly to him, "you said you canna go. You said Lord Horst would not lets you. And I don' know 'ow to be your mastah. I don' know 'ow to keep you. 'Ow can you come 'ome wit' me if they say no? I don' wanna go. Don' wanna tell. They'll take me 'way, take H.B. 'way. Neber see 'gain. Don' wanna, don' wanna!"

The child shook her bowed head fiercely, clinging tightly once more. She feared leaving and seeing the adults for she believed that they would separate her from her precious guardian. The longer they stayed hidden in the kitchen, the longer she would have with Ashlar. Emma hoped with all her being that she would be forgotten and she would end up spending forever with the slave. All she needed to do was stay there in the kitchen in his lap. As long as they stayed the magic would hold and nothing would tear her away from the prince turned slave. If only she knew the reality that is understood with age. But, Emma was only six and therefore she hoped.

[Zero]

Ashlar couldn't help but grin as Emma patted his cheeks to check for tears. Such an adorable and sweet child she was! Already he couldn't help but adore her, his heart swelling with parental warmth. Who wouldn't want such a darling child to call their own? Well, from now on she would be his, as far as his own mind was concerned. He would have to lay her fears to rest; the poor thing was still so worried about being separated from him! It was quite evident as she had another small outburst.

The kitsune hugged her, allowing her to cling to him. There was no reason to hide; he had to make her understand that. Why on earth would he hide the fact that he was going to be staying with his Miss Emma? He made another soft crooning sound. "There. There. Miss Emma will see, everything will be alright. Ashlar will go home with Miss Emma and be hers. Ashlar will make sure of it! Miss Emma and Ashlar will make Miss Emma's momma understand, and make Master Horst understand that Ashlar belongs with Miss Emma."

He patted her back reassuringly once more, smiling encouragement. "Besides, Miss Emma is getting tired and the hour is growing late. Miss Emma's momma will surely come for her soon, and Miss Emma will need her rest. It will all be okay, you'll see. You'll see." He carefully lifted her and set her back on the floor, holding out his hand to her as he stood up. "Does Miss Emma trust Ashlar enough to come see?"

[GoblinFae]

She found comfort in his embrace. His kind words soothed her tears and at last the young Fiore heiress was able to settle down from her crying jag. Everything that Ashlar did to comfort her was new to her. No one as of yet had ever really taken the time to hold her and love her the way he did. In the past nannies were far more concerned with either keeping her placated so she did not cry or in the event that she did, shutting her up as fast as possible and for the worst of them, in the cruelest manner possible. No one had just held the young girl and whispered soothing words into her ears until she found herself both too tired to cry in her cocoon of warmth and safety.

At last she was put down to rub vigorously at her drying eyes. Those same orbs looked up at Ashlar with such hopeful and naive innocence as she hung on his every word, hoping with bated breath that he was right and that it really was possible.

Her little hand latched back onto the slave's with a fearsome grip for Emma still greatly feared the loss of her dear friend. "I twust you," she solemnly stated, giving his hand a squeeze. "You pwomise though?"

[Zero]

Ashlar lightly returned the squeeze, crimson eye bright as he looked down at Emma with a wide smile. "Ashlar promises."

With a bit of a spring in his step, one hand holding onto Emma's hand, and Wallaby stuffed under his other arm, Ashlar led his small charge through back through the manor, passing the dining hall without a glance and making his way to the parlor, where he knew his Master was probably smoking his pipe and discussing business with the Fiore people. Stopping at the large oaken doors, he smiled down at Emma.

"Is Miss Emma ready? Ashlar will make everyone alright, trust Ashlar. Miss Emma should knock when she is ready to see." He gave her little hand another light squeeze, trying to reassure her and give her courage. He was there, he would not let anything go wrong.

[GoblinFae]

His smile and confidence strengthened her resolve. Emma stood taller, shoulders back and head held high before raising a small hand to rap lightly on the door. Inside she could just barely make out the sound of her mother's horse-like laughter and her father's nervous throat-clearing.

The doors swung open silently to reveal a servant's head peering around the edge before stepping back and allowing the little girl and her temporary guardian inside. Her father ignored her entrance as he continued to press the final matters of his transaction with the Lord of the house.

Genevieve on the other hand watched the pair with the eyes of a hawk. A finely arched brow raised as she sat up straighter to stare down her nose at the conjoined hands of slave and heiress. That simply would not do. She had to rectify the situation as soon as possible and therefore called to her daughter softly and enticingly, arms open for a welcoming hug.

"Come give mother a hug, little one. Did you enjoy the manor, Emma dear?"

Emma hung back, still clinging tightly to Ashlar's hand. Instead she smiled and curtsied to Lord Horst. "Thank you, Lord Horst. Mister Ashley Sir and I had a bery agweeable time," she beamed, leaning into Ashlar to hug his arm and unknowingly infuriating her mother further.

The woman rose from her chair, a smile on her lips that held so little warmth that even seasoned nomads of the Sionad Tundra would have found it unbearable. "Come dearest," she called stiffly. "You must be tired. Your father was just finishing. I think you've taken quite enough of Lord Horst's time by depriving him of his slave for the evening."

The child bit her lip and shook her head slightly. She did not want to go. She was right where she wanted to be and wished there was a way she could tell her mother that. Emma wondered who should break the "wonderful news" as Ashlar called it, to her parents. Ashlar was hers now and not even hell or high water would tear him away from her. Emma tugged on his hand slightly, hoping he would get the message and talk for her. Who knows maybe one of his princely gifts was the art of convincing people.

[Zero]

Lord Horst had fixated Ashlar with a stern look the moment the kitsune had entered the parlor. How close the pair seemed was not lost on him at all, and neither was Genevieve's displeasure. At Emma's curtsey and proclamation that she'd had a good time, he inclined his head to the girl, but fixed Ashlar with a harsher stare. "Miss Emma, you should listen when your mother tells you to do something. Although please, Mrs. Fiore, it was no inconvenience."

Ashlar squeezed the little girl's hand one more time, before looking down at her with a smile. "Master is right, Miss Emma, Miss Emma's momma told her to do something." He gently pulled his hand away from her before looking to Lord Horst. "Ashlar needs to speak with Master alone, please. Ashlar will be right back." He didn't wait for an agreement; he simply turned and strode out into the hall. His leaving would likely upset Emma, but he would need to speak with Horst in order to get what he and Emma wanted.

Horst quickly excused himself and followed Ashlar into the hall. The door shut behind him and the family was left alone for several long minutes. Occasionally muffled sounds would be heard, but for the most part it remained very quiet within the parlor. When at last Horst reappeared his face was very pale, and Ashlar was grinning as he bounced back into the room behind his master. Horst opened his mouth to speak a few times, but each time shook his head and reclosed his mouth. 

Finally stealing a glance at Ashlar, who looked to be growing impatient, he licked his lips and spoke up. "Fiore, I'm quite glad we could do business together, I look forward to future profitable interactions. I have a gift for your daughter; Ashlar and Emma seem quite taken with each other, so I'm giving him to her. He would make a fine nanny."

The engraved words on the collar shimmered with a pale silver light for a few seconds before they faded back into obscurity. Ashlar grinned widely. He was Emma's now; the transfer of ownership had been recognized by the magic of the collar.

[GoblinFae]

Emma Fiore had been too well trained already at this point in her life to throw the temper tantrum she wanted to. All the adults were out to get her! Even her special Ashlar was telling her she was being bad and had to go to her mother. And while she knew he was going to tell Lord Horst he was going home with her, she still felt like his leaving was a bit of betrayal. He had left her to deal with her mother which right now the child considered the greater of two evils with the way her mother was staring her down.

Head lowered and feet shuffling, the little girl came to at last stand before her mother. She could feel the stern gaze and just imagine the thin line her mother's lips were forming. Emma had certainly done something big this time. As much as she craved her parents' attention, she also knew that gaining it in public in the form of a reprimand meant not seeing them for a long time afterwards and possibly the loss of HoneyBlossom as well.

Remembering her beloved toy again, Emma pulled him tight against her chest as if to ward off the worst of her scolding. Surprisingly for her at least, it went rather quickly. A few hissed words about disobedience and associating with slaves and then it was all over. Emma was scooped up into her mother's lap and locked in place with her mother's arms around her waist.

"You will behave now," were the last words Genevieve growled into her child's ear before the door opened once more and her sweet mask of apology slid back in place. "Oh really now my Lord," she called out sweetly, "I hardly believe that Emma deserves a gift and certainly not your own personal slave. She is but a child! Eglington please say something. It is simply too much!"

The Fiore patriarch rose to his feet, his hands playing with the end of his vest as he did so. It was obvious by his posturing that he was very excited with the prospect of a contract with Lord Horst but was also battling with how to not lose that contract due to his wife's demands. The look of hopefulness on his own child's face was completely ignored though.

"I'm afraid I have to agree with my wife sir. You are being far too generous. We could not even hope at this time to be able to support such a valuable item. Please, I beg of you to reconsider. This is not something that, I mean to say Emma already had a nanny and I think that it is better suited for other tasks than caring for an errant child. My lord," he added quickly dipping into a slight bow.

[Zero]

Horst looked between Emma's parents with annoyance. Of course they didn't understand. Well, it was far too complicated and aggravating to try to explain everything about how Ashlar's slavery had worked. No one had ever explained it to him; he'd just had to figure it out on his own. They would too. "Ashlar is a slave, you do not have to pay him, and he will feed himself. Not to mention we have just entered into a profitable business arrangement. I'm sure affording him will not be a problem. As for Emma just being a child, well pets are wonderful tools for teaching responsibility."

There was so much more to it than that, but it would be hard to make them understand, if they would even believe him. "Besides," Horst remarked, waving a hand dismissively. "It is already done. Ashlar no longer belongs to me, he belongs to Emma. My commands would mean nothing to him, only Emma will he obey. Please stress to her the importance of never removing his collar. It keeps him properly manageable." Except still he'd found himself terrified of the demon and eager to get rid of him. Ashlar could destroy everything he had ever worked for. He didn't doubt the threats the kitsune had made.

Ashlar grinned and bounced happily. "Horst is correct! Ashlar obeys only Miss Emma now. He will follow Miss Emma to the ends of the world if he must."

[GoblinFae]

Eglington bowed his head respectfully to the nobleman, much to his wife's horror and disgust for he knew he had been beat. Horst was right about everything especially their new contract. It would be highly unfavorable to further insult the man by refusing when so much of the Fiore future relied on this charter.

"Many thanks then Lord Horst. It was not our intention to insult your great gift to our little one. We just worry that it would not be given the proper care and respect. But, you raise a good point, a child must learn responsibility at some point. A pet would be good for our Emma. Thank you again," he stated once more before beginning to make his apologies. "I am afraid though it has been a long evening and our little one really should be getting to bed. I fear she will be quite a terror come morning should she not get her precious beauty sleep."

From her place beside him, Genevieve twittered at the joke and made a big deal about lifting Emma from her lap and holding her close while petting her hair, much to the child's disgruntlement. "Poor dear is all worn out. It was quite lovely to share dinner with you my Lord. Perhaps we will have more opportunities in the future as business continues to thrive."

Emma though, bored with the formalities, was squirming under her mother's attentions and eying Ashlar with a look of growing aggravation and impatience. She was not comfortable where she was and wanted to be back with him. In her mind there was still a chance this could all go wrong and she would never see him again. Emma did not fully understand the meaning of Ashlar's ownership being passed onto her or that it meant he would never be made to leave her now unless she herself commanded him gone.

So she pouted and waited while the adults talked until her mother let go of her to offer her hand to Lord Horst and then the child was off in shot. Before Genevieve could grab her back, Emma was back to pressing close into Ashlar's side where she clung to him, happy at the warm and safe feeling he gave her.

"Thank you Mister Ashley Sir," she whispered quietly for only him to hear. "Thank you."

As far as she was concerned now, all was right in her world. All they had to do now was head home. 'And it will be 'appily hever af'er!'

[Zero]

"He is a rather expensive gift, so I expect he'll be well cared for, but I am not insulted, it is not exactly a regular present, is it? I think Emma will be quite pleased with him, at any rate. He'll make a wonderful companion, considering he acts like a child half the time anyway." Horst gave his farewells to Eglington and Genevieve, even nodding curtly to Emma as she rushed to Ashlar. "I'll keep in touch with regular correspondence, of course, but shall I show you out?"

Ashlar immediately knelt down and hugged Emma as she darted back to his side. He had not liked Emma's mother and her fussing over the child. It had seemed so fake, an act to make herself look good and his poor Miss Emma hadn't seemed to enjoy it at all. That's okay, she was by his side now and he would take good care of her.  The prospect of getting to be Emma's companion was wonderful. It would be a good life, and he would have his darling little Master to dote upon. There were only a few concerns to block their happiness, but he would take care of it when the time came.

"Ashlar will show them out, Lord Horst, no need for the Lord to trouble himself. Come along, Miss Emma! Miss Emma gets to take Ashlar home." He stood back up and took her little hand in his again to gently lead her along back to the front entrance where their carriage was waiting. He hadn't really waited on Emma's parents; he didn't care about them in the slightest. All that mattered was making his Miss Emma happy.

[GoblinFae]

The Fiores continued to say their goodbyes and wrap up loose ends as their daughter was led away by the newest addition to their party. Emma smiled happily as she swung their hands back and forth, enjoying the freedom to be with her Ashlar. He had actually done it. He had convinced Lord Horst to let him come home with her just as he promised. Though she did not know it yet, he even gifted her with his company for the rest of her life if she so desired it. The slave had taken a wish and delivered ten times the child's expectations. In her eyes he was the most wonderful man in the world.

Tiredness kept her relatively quiet and sedate as they walked outside. She gave him no trouble at all and for now was content to just hold his hand instead of ask question after question as she had done before. He would be there for her later tonight and even come morning to ask those kinds of things. In the mind of a child, she had all the time in the world.

The moment was ruined though as her parents approached them from behind. Emma heard her mother's skirts ruffling moments before Ashlar was being rudely yanked away from her, his ear firmly grasped between her mother's fingers. She cried out and moved to stop her when she felt her father's staying hand on her shoulder as he dropped down to be at her level.

"It's alright Emma. Mother just wishes to have a talk with it. It needs to know how precious you are to us and how important it is take care of you." He smiled at her reassuringly until the creases of worry were washed away from her face. Eglington was not oblivious to the concern that darkened her eyes though as she continued to watch the way her mother hissed darkly at her new friend, out of her earshot.

Her father moved Emma until she had nowhere to look but at him and gently clasped his hands on her little shoulders, holding her in place. "Now Emma I need you to listen to me carefully. This is very important. Are you listening to me?"

The child nodded her head slowly, wide eyes completely trained on those of her father. Again he smiled trying to keep the moment light even as he prepared to command something very serious of his only child. Despite the lack of time he did manage to spend with his offspring, he truly did love her in his own way.

"You must promise me, Emma. You must promise never under any circumstances," he grimaced at her questioning face before rephrasing, "that no matter what happens, you will never ever remove the collar from around your slave's neck. No matter what he tells you or what he asks, no matter what happens in the house or with your mother and I and must never take it off. If you do, bad things will happen Emma."

"Bad things?"

Eglington, wishing to drive the point home preyed on his daughter's fears. It was like any other business deal he had ever done. He used manipulation and in this case fear tactics to get her to obey. The fact that it was his only child meant nothing when it came to the safety of his entire family.

"Very bad things, Emma. He'll leave you."

Her eyes widened in fear as she shot a glance over her father's shoulder towards Ashlar. It seemed that the discussion between the two was winding down and her mother looked highly displeased, judging by the scowl gracing her face. She was drawn back to her father again though as he shook her slightly.

"Do you promise me Emma? You must! It is the only way he'll stay and bad things won't happen to us. You must promise Emma. Or I'll force Lord Horst to keep him."

"No no! I pwomise Father. I pwomise I won't take the colla' off him! Please don' take him 'way Father. Please!"

The father smiled and awkwardly patted her on the head before standing up once more. "Thank you Emma. He can stay now."

[Zero]

Ashlar gave a soft yelp of pain and surprise as his ear was grabbed unexpectedly and he was dragged away from Emma. He realized it was the mother, shouldn't have surprised him, he knew she was going to give him problems. Not really consciously, but inside him, a darker part of him had known. His crimson eye looked up at her owlishly as she informed him of how much she hated him, did not trust him, and how he had better behave. Now that was just uncalled for, Ashlar had been extremely well behaved so far.

Something clicked inside his head; the happy child was swept away and the slumbering evil emerged. The red eye gleamed as it leered up at Genevieve. A twisted grin came over his features and his voice changed into something lower and darker. "Since you're new, I'll be gentle, but let me make a few things clear to you. I don't care if you're Emma's mother, only Emma can command me, only her orders will be obeyed. I do not answer to you or your husband; I answer to Emma and Emma alone. Because of my slavery, her protection is guaranteed, yours is not. Get in my way, threaten me, or lay your filthy hands on me again, and I will rip out your entrails and hang you with them."

As quickly as the flicker of darkness overcame him, it left again. Ashlar blinked up at Genevieve once more and cowered down before her, putting his hands over his head and giving a wail, his voice rising and keening.  "What did Ashlar do? Why is Miss Emma's mother so mean to poor Ashlar? All Ashlar wants is to be Miss Emma's friend!" That should get everyone's attention.

[GoblinFae]

Having extracted the desired promise from his daughter, Eglington therefore did nothing to stop the little sprite from racing off to mother and slave as soon as they heard the first wails coming from the creature. He followed slowly, wishing to avoid the brunt of his wife's displeasure for as long as possible. His child was safe now; he had done his duty as a parent. Genevieve could handle the rest as the mother.

Emma on the other hand was incredibly distraught. Her tiny body collided with that of Ashlar's as she rushed to his side, her arms encircling his leg tightly as she tried her best to glare angrily over at her mother.

"You huwts him!" she cried out, stomping her foot. "You big meaniehead! He's my fwiend and you huwts him! 'Ow coulds you?!"

Her mother froze, shocked at how quickly her sweet child had turned on her. The expression soon flashed to hatred before resignation. The slave was certainly a bad influence and somehow would just have to go. The sooner, the better too!

"Now, Emma dear," she began, voice soft yet stern. "That is a slave and should be treated as such. Slaves are not friends, for friends do not order each other around and that is what you will have to do with it. Now please dear, let go. You are being quite unruly."

"No! 'pologize! You huwts him! If you don't then I'll..." Emma paused as she tried in her six-year old mind to come up with a good threat until a mischievous light sparked within, "I'll wun 'way and you'll neber see us 'gain!"

Genevieve sighed, shooting a hateful glare towards the slave before lowering her gaze to that of her only child. "I will apologize Emma only after you make him promise not to hurt me." A smirk curled her lips, believing that she had won this round. If Ashlar were to attempt his threats he would be stopped by Emma's command. She loved that even now she still had the creature in her command for Genevieve still had control of her child, at the moment at least.

Big brown eyes looked up at Ashlar glistening with tears. "Please Mister Ashley Sir, don't be mad at Mother. She sowwy. Please don't huwt her because she huwt you. It isn't wight. Teacher says so too."

Clinging tighter she added in a whisper, "I don' wanna lose you."

Her father shifted nervously behind the trio, unwilling to interfere and uncomfortable with staying. The look of triumph on his wife's face was certainly disconcerting but the look of horror on his daughter's face at losing her "fwiend," was equally disturbing.

"We should be going my dears," he finally stated, clearing his throat as he watched Emma cling tighter.

"Not until that thing agrees," his wife cut in, not even trying to hide her delight.

[Zero]

Ashlar maintained his cowering position even as Emma collided with his leg and began clinging to him tightly. Some part of his mind felt a thrill of satisfaction as Emma scolded her mother. Yes, this was exactly how he would work things. His little would love him and care for him, and her mother would fade from the child's mind and heart. Perhaps her father too, the man seemed easily enough to simply coerce, but it was hard to say. He didn't seem to really deserve Emma either. All in good time, for now he would work on riding himself of the harpy at hand.

He continued his act, although he felt a flicker of annoyance when Genevieve demanded that Emma make him promise not to hurt her. He could not disobey Emma, even if Ashlar wanted to disobey he couldn't. Well, he seemed to be in luck as Emma looked up at him with her big brown eyes and asked him not to hurt her because he hurt him. The wording was both just vague enough and specific enough for him to wiggle it within his mind however he pleased.

With another whine he sank down to Emma's level and clung to her, as if seeking her protection from Genevieve. "Why would Ashlar hurt Miss Emma's momma? Ashlar promises he won't hurt her because she hurt him. Ashlar would never do such a thing! Never!" He dropped his head to Emma's little shoulder and cried some more. "Make her stop hurting Ashlar, Miss Emma! Oh please make her stop! Why is she so mean to poor Ashlar? It! Thing! So cruel the words. Ashlar is not an it. Ashlar thinks, he feels, Ashlar is not a thing."

[GoblinFae]

Genevieve sneered in disgust at the way the creature pawed her precious property. How dare he maul her perfect little girl like that. "You're a slave. Of course you're a thing. You are property. You belong to my daughter and you will obey her." The unspoken 'and therefore me,' hung silently in the air.

From her place currently trying to comfort Ashlar with her arms wrapped around his head and neck, cuddling him close, Emma shot a fiery look of betrayal towards her mother. She did not understand in all her innocence why what her mother said hurt so much, she only knew that it was not right. The concept of slavery was not one the child understood. A person was a person and people deserved respect, something her mother was denying Ashlar. It angered the child so much so that she reflexively tightened her protective grip on the kitsune, wishing there was more of a way she could fix this for him.

Tears raced down her cheeks unbidden from the sorrow of seeing her new and only friend cry. Standing on her tip-toes, Emma leaned forward and gave Ashlar's previously abused ear a tender kiss before very gently rubbing it like she would a cat's ear, being ever so careful not to squeeze or pinch it.

"I'm sowwy Mister Ashley Sir. Emma's sowwy you gots huwts. Pwease don' cwy. Pwease, Emma's sad too. I'm sowwy," she whispered into his hair, feeling as if her world had ended. Her parents were not supposed to treat him like this. He was not supposed to be hurt and crying. She should have been stronger, she should have protected him. She had betrayed him. He was going to hate her and it was all her fault.

Neither parent saw the tears their child shed but Eglington did catch the scorching looks of burning hatred that Genevieve was sending the pair and was just in time to catch her before she tore child and slave apart once more.

"Perhaps we should be going now dearest. The promise was made," he stated lowly, gripping the furious woman's arm firmly. He nearly shuddered under the intensity of her gaze as it passed over him but somehow managed to hold his ground even as cold sweats broke out along his spine. "You're making a scene," he added in a nervous hiss that stopped her in her tracks. The merchant knew he would pay for his interference tonight. There was no mistaking his wife's look after all. But, at least this way it could all be handled out of site of their newest patron.

The carriage had arrived and he impatiently waved for it to be opened before helping his wife inside and following after. A curt call for child and slave to follow was soon forthcoming, tailed by the irate mutterings and insults of the Fiore matriarch.

[Zero]

Ashlar hissed softly, but quickly turned the sound into another wail. "A slave Ashlar may be, but he is still not a thing! Of course Ashlar will obey his Miss Emma. Ashlar is being a good Ashlar, why is it mean to him?" Oh yes, he was laying it on thick. Then again, that was the idea, pit Emma against her mother and draw her closer to him. The more loyal Emma's love to him was, the easier it would be to rid himself of Genevieve.

The kitsune could see all of Genevieve's hatred for him, at the way Emma clung to him, and so he clung to his new little Master even tighter. He sniffled and nuzzled into Emma's hand as she so tenderly rubbed his ear to make it feel better, making a great show of getting his crying under control. It only upset him that he was upsetting Emma, but it couldn't be helped right now. He would make up for the transgression later.

It was a bit of a surprise when the father stepped in, and a temporary reprieve was granted, but he knew it would last only until they were in the relative privacy of the carriage. As the parents climbed into the carriage, Ashlar clung all the tighter to Emma. He whispered quietly for Emma's ears alone. "Miss Emma's mother is going to try to take Ashlar away from Miss Emma, he knows it! She is going to hurt him, Miss Emma. Poor, poor Ashlar, she scares Ashlar, she does. Please don't let her hurt poor Ashlar. Please don't let her take Ashlar away."

They were called into the carriage, and with another sniffle Ashlar tried to help Emma into the carriage. Emma needed to go home and sleep; she was just a little one and would need her rest. It just wouldn't do for him not to take good care of her.

[GoblinFae]

The things that Ashlar told her struck a fearful chord within her little heart. Emma's mother just could not be allowed to take him from her. She loved Ashlar and he loved her. If mother took him away then it would break her heart. She could not bear the idea of losing her only friend especially so close to the victory that he could come home with her and stay with her forever.

Emma tried to keep a smile on her trembling lips as she continued to comfort Ashlar. She did not wish to upset him further by being the one needing the comforting. So when her father called her to the carriage, she squeezed the slave's hand tightly in reassurance while hurriedly whispering that she would not let it happen, that Ashlar should not worry.

Soon after they both settled into their own seat bench across from her parents. The child made sure to slip herself tight against the kitsune's side with his arm wrapped firmly about her while her own curled around her stuffed bunny. She was not going to be coaxed from his side if she could help it.

But, no sooner had the carriage begun its movements away from the manor before her mother was running at the mouth again. It seemed there would be no stopping her at the moment as she chastised her daughter for embarrassing them all at the manor with Emma's childish disobedience and demands. Eglington meanwhile sat silently refusing to acknowledge any of the carriage's other occupants, trusting his wife's judgement when it came to their child.

Emma on the other hand was forced to be silent during her mother's rapid fire demeaning criticisms and chastisements. She was able to bear the brunt of it until her mother happened upon threatening Ashlar's place in the child's life.

"...really Emma it is completely despicable. Why I ought to take that thing away from you as punishment for your behavior this evening. You don't deserve such a fine gift is that."

Ashlar's words of not long before ranging hauntingly true with in the child's mind causing her to tremble slightly in fear. She could not let that happen. Emma had promised Ashlar! She could not go back on her word, especially since he had kept his. She would just have to be a good girl, she would just have to make sure mother did not find a reason to take him away.

Unconsciously Emma leaned in closer to her friend, letting her head rest against his chest and his heart to beat against her ear. Even as her mother spoke to her, she murmured softly into his shirt that she would not let it happen. Ashlar was safe. She promised.

[Zero]

Ashlar followed Emma into the carriage, taking the seat next to her and settling in as his young Master snuggled close to his side, his arm wrapped protectively around her. Almost immediately the harpy began screeching again. He had known she would, and other than cling to Emma, he did and said nothing. Normally he wouldn't allow anyone to speak to his Master that way, but in this case, with the person in question being his Master's mother; he kept his mouth shut; mostly because this was going to be too easy. Ashlar didn't need to drive a wedge between child and mother; the mother was going to do it for him!

His ears folded as Genevieve threatened yet again to take him away from Emma. As much as he wanted to put the hateful witch in her place, to make it clear that she didn't hold the power to take Ashlar away from Emma, he knew that fear was going to help him. If Emma was afraid of having him taken away, then it would only make it that much easier to pull child away from parent. His red eye was burning in hatred as he looked at Genevieve, but he quickly lowered his head and looked away. Let her think she had gained some ground, would make it that much sweeter when he destroyed her. That silly promise not to hurt her had meant nothing in the end, and here she thought herself so clever.

Emma was pressed even tighter against him now, and Ashlar put his other arm around her, hugging her against his side. She was so precious, telling him how he was safe. Maybe in some ways she would protect him, but he knew that for now, it was he who was the true protector, even if he didn't seem like it. Only fools underestimated him. Usually they became dead fools. Emma's mother would be one such fool. When the time was right. "Don't worry, Ashlar will keep Miss Emma safe, too."