Spirits of the Earth

The freshly sealed letter was set upon the edge of the desk and a hand resting atop waited to move it. "You have a cruel master, don't you?"

"Not at all, Sir."

"You've been getting so good at hiding it." The hand slid the letter across the table and gestured to the man's bandaging. "I always wonder why you hide something so beautiful."

"It's difficult to explain if someone notices." He took the letter and tucked it into the front pocket of the small satchel for his things on this short trip.

"That would require you speaking to others."

"Remaining inconspicuous on the way would be favorable; it really is a long trip, you know."

"Yes, but it always keeps me waiting. I have to find other ways to occupy my time." A brief but knowing, toothy smile was there for him to see as he hastily adjusted the bag to sling up onto his shoulder. "Now go. Don't keep me waiting for too long."

It took no more than those words from Akakios for Toren to be on his way. The letter he was to deliver was nothing new. Akakios only let a few ever deliver or receive his letters, especially of business, and Toren alone was allowed to handle the vast majority of it.

It had happened just the previous night, but he was growing accustomed to this routine; a feeding from the vampire just to be sent away on business. It was a newer development, one that had surprised the younger man being so used to his master keeping him close during those times, but the pain that would haunt him was often easier to face alone without prying eyes.

Where his neck met his shoulder was a thin wrapping, just enough to cover the most recent wounds. It was flimsy at best, but there was a small knot securing it at the side. It clashed considerably with his skin tone, but at this point he couldn't care less if anyone knew, the pains had already to set in, his eyes holding a slight glaze after only half a day since it had happened.

Leading a chestnut pony at his side, he made his way into town. For him there was no real rush to get there so long as he was able to return by the end of the week, so why not enjoy what little bit of free time he would have? The bag was gently bouncing at his hip as he entered town, but his attention was drawn to other things and he did not notice when the valuable piece of paper slipped out and fluttered noiselessly to the ground. Resting precariously atop the mud, it was safe for but a moment before a rear hoof of the pony crumpled it into the ground and tore at the red seal a bit. When the weight was lifted, the letter had been partially ripped and the highly stylized handwriting on the page unveiled. Toren, though, was none the wiser and just carried on his way in ignorance of the precious thing being lost.

The midday sun hovered high in the sky, shedding some warmth for the people out and about on the cool autumn day. Ladybird Hornwort was among those traversing the town square. She in particular was making a few deliveries here and there to those seeking certain meaningful flower arrangements.

She had just made her last delivery and was about to cross the street when she was forced to pause as a man and his pony passed by her. Waiting patiently, she smiled and ran an impatient hand over her familiar's back as was her custom. For a moment she thought she saw something flutter to the ground but, blamed it on a flicker of light.

When at last the pair moved on, Ladybird made to jump over the mud puddle blocking her way but, something white caught her eye. Leaning down she plucked up a crumbled letter. A few phrases caught her eye but she did not read the letter for long before she was taking off after the man.

"Sir!" Ladybird called after him, hiking up her skirt and running to catch up to him. "Sir, I believe you dropped this." She tapped him on the shoulder and made to hand him the letter. "I think this fell out of you rucksack." The young botanist offered a up a smile and blushed. As her head lowered slightly she was able to make out a few more phrases from the parchment in her hand.


The words seemed to ring in her mind but, Ladybird was quick to dismiss them and raise her head again. "Good day to you, sir," she greeted, giving him another winsome smile that this time reached her eyes as well.

Toren turned his head to look over his shoulder at the sound of a woman's voice behind him and stopped when he realized it was he she was trying to get the attention of when she tapped him on the shoulder. "Dropped...?" he trailed off as he looked down and then his face blanked at the realization of what she was holding out to him. The letter, muddied, scuffed and crinkled was still recognizable but was in terrible shape from whatever had just happened. Turning slowly, his eyes trailed further down to look at the bag the letter had been in before and, sure enough, the pocket was empty.

Gulping, his eyes returned to the letter as he raised his hand to take it from her. "Ah, thank you, that's very kind of you to return-" He noticed the mud on her hand as his fingers finally touched against it as well to take it back from her but when he raised his eyes he realized that she was looking at what torn, exposed parts of it there were and quickly snatched it away to hastily tuck it into his bag. "Thank you," he repeated, his bright eyes now harbored with entirely fearful shadow. "I am in your debt." Gathering up the reins of his pony again, Toren nodded to Ladybird and turned to go right back the way he'd come down the road.

His return to the Reolaras estate just before sunset was far too swift and everyone of the house he passed by on his way in knew it. Toren himself, though, was silent as he returned the pony and made his way back upstairs to the study, dreading every moment it took to reach the door. Finding Akakios still seated where he'd left him, though, had him clutching the little bag tightly as he crossed the room to stand before his master's desk. "I ran into a small problem," he told him, gaze lowered to stare at the stack of clean papers at the far right edge of the desk. Very slowly, he retrieved the battered letter and held it out tensely for the vampire to see.

"What did you do?"

"It fell- I dropped it."

The vampire raised a brow slowly as he snatched the paper up from his slave with two fingers so as not to dirty his own hand with the drying muck upon it. Looking it over, his eyes immediately found all the little smudges and marks upon the once pristine parchment and the seal that had been pushed back a bit. What especially caught his attention, though, was the exposed words on the page and the imprint of a much more slender finger upon the dirtied top. "Did anyone see this?" he asked, setting the filthy thing aside as he already reached to get a fresh paper to start from scratch again.

"No, just took a swim in the mud. I'm very sorry to waste your valuable time, Sir, I know it's very important. It won't happen aga-"

"You know I don't like liars, Toren." Akakios grinned smugly to himself as he set the book he'd been reading aside and began to write once more. "Tell me."

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? Where did this happen?"

"In town, Sir."

The vampire glanced to the ruined draft again, eyes momentarily settling upon smudged fingerprint again. "Did anyone else touch it?"

"No, Sir."

His master grinned, a dark chuckle shaking his shoulders briefly. "This is not seemly, boy. After all these years I thought you truly hated pain... Be sure to refresh your memory before you return." With that he folded the second letter, poured and stamped the seal again and pushed it over the desk to the other man. "Mistakes are so unlike you. Don't let this happen again."

He knew he could not change what would become of him now, but the fear in his eyes was apparent. Taking up the fresh copy and properly putting it inside his bag, Toren nodded and backed out of the room again to return to the task he'd been set to earlier in the day.

She watched the stranger for a moment more before continuing on with her day. Ladybird did not really think much more of the occurrence and the encounter was quickly forgotten. People came and went about there business frequently, if she touched a life but briefly it was more than most did.

Night came and with it the closing of Petal and Frond for the day. Her private garden began to stir with the night life as many of "little visitors" as she called them woke and set out to hunt. It was the night of the new moon, making it an impossible task for Ladybird to do any late night planting and re-potting.

'Early bed it is then. G'night Fern!' she mindspoke to her familiar. A lazy response of acknowledgement flooded her mind and made her smile. The little snake was too tired to do more than convey a few bursts of emotion today before curling tighter around her wrist and falling back asleep. An hour or two later, the human joined him in slumber, the book she had been reading sliding from her stomach to the floor as she rolled to her side.

His entire trek to deliver the letter being delayed a day already, Toren resigned himself along the way that what might happen when he returned would not be anything favorable. Performing his duty as he was set out to do, he got the second letter to the receiver. In his pack was the answer he was to return to Akakios, which was safely tucked away with not a chance of slipping away from him now.

Making one mistake might have been only mildly punished, but luck was not in his favor. During his rest just before he would reach town the previous night a small pack of wolves had attempted to take down his mount while they slept. It wasn't fending them off that was a problem so much as the damage they'd left. Now two things had been damaged in his possession and he had an idea of how this might be received by his master.

The mare had several lacerations upon her legs of all shapes and sizes, but Toren was able to coax her along and into town, if at a snail's pace. Once they reached it, though, every dog on the street big or small was spooking the animal. She was lame and already so tense and sweaty that the man seriously wondered if she would be alright to make it back home like this. "Shh. It'll be alright, girl, we'll be there soon," he continued to assure her every now and then, a hand at her neck stroking calmly though she was bobbing up and down as they went along.

Toren desperately avoided making eye contact with anyone, but he could still feel a multitude of stares weighing upon them, a pair of sweat-covered travelers with one bearing streaks of dried and drying blood upon her coat. Save speaking to the equine, though, he was silent.

Ladybird stepped out her front door and took a big gulp of fresh morning air. She just stood there, leaning against her doorjamb and watched the streets come to life. The shop still would not open for another hour or so depending on how she was feeling and she had already completed everything she had intended to do for now.

The stuttered clip-clop of a horse's hooves on the cobblestones perked her interest, forcing her gaze over to the left. 'It's the man from before. Oh no! His poor pony. I wonder if he would be willing to let me care for her. I'm sure I have some herbs that would help with that. Then again-no buds Petal! Quit being a wallflower and go help!'

She pushed off the wall and slowly made her way over to man and beast. Speaking quietly to the horse, Ladybird made sure she was seen before slowly brushing her hands along the creature's neck. "Shh, there there now. You're alright." Peeking past the horse's head she tried to make eye contact with its owner. "Forgive me sir, it seems we meet again. I-um, I'm Petal. I own the flowershop over yonder," she told him, nodding her head back from where she had been standing.

"I couldn't help noticing your pony's limp. If you can pause in your journeys for but a moment, I have some herbs that would help her. It would be better for her if she didn't have to continue walking on that injured leg." Ladybird was winding up to defend her decision to help. She could not stand the idea of the horse being hurt and not receiving the help it needs. 'I hope he is willing to accept the help. To do otherwise would be cruel and barbaric in which case I have a few choice words for him!'

The sound of footsteps alerted him, but he still kept his head down at first until he saw the flash of fabric on the other side of his horse that could only be a skirt. Looking up at the sound of her voice he began to realize that it was dreadfully familiar. She was soothing the mare but Toren couldn't help but look over. Yes, it was the same woman from before. Now, though, he had a name to call her by and a location to place her in as well. Those additional details were personally nice, he knew already that this was exactly what his master had wanted and would probably continue to demand from him. He still smiled for her generosity, though, her forward kindness a trait he'd not seen much in the people in his life.

Running his hand through the pony's forelock, Toren cast an apologetic look down at the creature's lame leg, the road he was supposed to be heading down and then to the woman he now knew as Petal before nodding in agreement. "We really must be on our way," he began, the words more to himself than anything else. Still, she was offering to help and getting the animal patched up would definitely be more favorable than returning her, someone else's property, entirely battered and bloodied.

"Alright. Thank you, I would really appreciate that, but... a flower shop?" He was a bit skeptical of this particular information as he didn't naturally equate such a place to also be home to herbal remedies. "Well, thank you for your time..., Petal," he offered again, leading the pony off in the direction she'd indicated as they walked along.

"Do you... have much experience treating horses?" he asked, curious as to why the mare had drawn her attention enough for her to come over and speak with him.

Ladybird walked alongside the pony still keeping with it in between her and the stranger. "Yes I own a flower shop," she proudly restated, beaming in joy. "I do actually. I've had a few myself over the years. You see my flower shop also carries various plants and herbs. The apothecary down the street usually buys from me for his own remedy concoctions."

She lead him to the back of her home and shop, letting him in through the garden gate and through there to the stables. "You can just put her in the big stall and I will get to her in a moment. I want to take care of some things first." Moving away from the pair, Ladybird began to slowly unwind Fern from around her wrist. A disgruntled grunt resounded through her mind, indicating his displeasure at the action. 'Well I can't very well be having you spook her more. She seems to have been through enough already.' The snake gave no more of a protest other than to open one beady eye and glare as he was placed on the bandage shelf.

She laughed softly and patted him on the head. Grabbing up her box of healing plants for larger animals, Ladybird made her way back over to the horse. "Such a good girl," she cooed, becoming absorbed in her work. She slowly ran her hand down the creature's flank, lowering to examine the lacerations. "Were you two attacked by something? These look like teethmarks." Ladybird did not look up from her examinations, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Lily petals should work nicely I think. A natural bandage that will fall off later. Yes," she nodded to herself, "that should help with any infection too."

The apothecary. Now that was a man Toren was all too familiar with and not in ways that were good. Special orders that were either made by him or delivered to him for an underling of Akakios to retrieve. This woman didn't look the sort to be involved in seedy business, especially having offered to help the animal, but he supposed one could never be too careful especially when carrying precious, time-sensitive cargo.

Leading the pony along as he walked with the stranger on her other side, he was beginning to feel a bit anxious to return home much as he knew the animal needed to be tended to. Though, Toren was quite certain he would be punished either way. He could hope that whatever he was already going to receive from before was fairly mild as now he would be returning damaged property and something fairly valuable at that.

Nodding for the woman's instructions, he led the mare down to the appointed stall once they'd parted ways and stood at the door to it while they waited. He took the opportunity to take in the sights of the building they'd passed going through the gate and the gardens he assumed were also owned on the same property. It was nice, he thought, very quaint and quiet back here even for being in a respectably populated town.

Upon the kind stranger's return, Toren stepped aside for her as he opened the door, peering in to observe her work as his hands rested atop it. The gentleness with which she treated the animal did not go unnoted, but he flinched at her question, simple as it was to answer. "Yes, it was wolves just south of here," he explained, eyeing the marks that were obviously the deepest and causing the horse most of its discomfort and pain at the moment.

"That sounds lovely, thank you. How long do you think it might be until she's walking any better? ...would she be alright to keep travelling once it's done?

"And, um...how much will I owe you for this, Miss Petal? This is twice now that I am in your debt."

She surveyed the work she was doing for a long time, taking into account the amount and depth of the injuries before replying. "She shouldn't be made to travel for at least another half a day. Even then she will not be able to be ridden for a week I think. It is highly inadvisable to use her to travel back wherever you are going. The natural dust and dirt of travel can infect her wounds and greatly worsen her condition. I would suggest you rent or borrow another horse if you are in such a rush to leave. You are more than welcome to leave her with me. You could pick her up on your next return here or I could have her sent back to you once she fully healed."

Ladybird fell silent again, letting the other man decide. She took extra care that every move she made was slow and every word she spoke was soft so as to not frighten her patient. "Such a brave girl," she finally cooed, rising to her feet. "I'm sorry I can't help more. My own horse is already on loan otherwise I would have let you use him." Her shoulders shrugged in apology. "Otherwise, consider the debt paid. Your willingness to accept help is enough for me."

"Petal!" a voice called from the gardens. "Pet-oh there you are. I was just wondering if you have any of the supplies ready since I was in the neighborhood." Ladybird blinked and threw on the mask she kept for customers. While the owner of the apothecary just down the street was one of her regular customers, he was also a man she wanted nothing to do with. "But of course, I see you have company," he exclaimed gleefully as his eyes landed on the stranger and wounded pony.

Another half day? At least another half day? He was sure already he could not delay, could not afford such a thing right now. It was a sheer lack of luck now, he was convinced, for all the times he had made this same trip previously he had never encountered so many problems, even collectively. The past half week had already left him a mess and this was just icing on his poisoned cake.

Realizing the new height of his problems now, he stood very still beside the stall door. On the outside he appeared rather stoic and unfocused, just staring off in the distance, but on the inside he was truly panicking now. Toren felt trapped, and rightfully so; he had no means of escaping what would most-likely befall on him after only just recovering from his latest bite on the previous morning. At minimum he knew that he would receive another. At least, if he were caught.

There were all sorts of schemes he was already starting to run through his mind for plausibility of keeping all or most of this a secret. Even the small hope that his master might never discover his latest screw up crossed his mind but the methods of implementation were...lacking with what he had at his disposal.

By now, his tenseness had crossed into a well-rehearsed mask of panic. Eyes that should have been wide and wild only flickered focus here and there as he pondered the possibility of just sneaking the horse out later without her seeing because, at the very least, he could not be late.

Furthermore, he had absolutely no way of explaining a bandaged-up horse where he neither did nor paid for the work. The kindness of charity, while appreciated by Toren himself, did not go "unpaid" in the Reolaris household in his experience. There was a price for everything. And, there was a way to twist just about anything in his master's favor, from what he'd seen. It was in complete horror he thought of how little protection he might be able to offer such a kind person should Akakios found out and decided he wanted to know more.

He'd been so quiet for a few long moments by now and it was only that silence that reminded him he needed to get it together and at least thank the poor woman for her offers and advice. Unless, of course, one could die under the pressure he was feeling right now. "I'll...think on it, thank you," he managed to speak through the tightness in his throat.

To drive him further into the cavernous pit he'd fallen into, he heard a rather familiar voice calling out to his new acquaintance. Wringing his hands with trying to rid himself of his now sweaty palms, he looked up and across to the man. It took him a moment too long to recognize after he'd already been seen and he did the first thing that came to mind now.

Slowly backing a couple of steps he gradually opened the stall door so as not to look in as much a rush as he was and slid inside with the hopes of hiding himself beside the mare with his back to the door as he proceded to make himself look busy with soothing the animal as the other man approached. At this point he just felt trapped and was pretty sure things couldn't get much worse than having to wait out whatever awkward meeting might ensue so that he wouldn't be recognized again. Toren wasn't aware, though, that the apothecary had already gotten a good enough look to know who was standing over in the barn.

Had Toren been watching, though, the twinkle in the other man's eyes was absolutely undeniable. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" he asked with feigned concern and wide, blinking eyes before adding with more of that bright, knowing grin, "...did you get a new horse? I could have sworn he wasn't so....dark. Or small."

"Nothing for you to worry about, Agehneim," she replied coldly as she crossed her arms. Ladybird took a step closer to move past the man as she continued. "She is the horse of another client. You know that unlike some I provide my clients with the care they need no matter their situation."

He latched onto her, gripping her bicep tightly as he leaned down to sweetly utter poison in her ear. "If I do not have the best to provide my costumers it is only because you have not in turn provided me with it. Surely that was not what you were suggesting Petal dearest. Unless of course you were talking about your less than accepted methods of receiving payment."

At this his hand slipped down to pat her rear. An elbow to the ribs sent him away from her as she continued you on her way. "Will you be wanting anything else sir."
"Your hand in marriage perhaps. Or I know! How about some moonseed or angel's trumpet? You know how I have been craving for such pretty plants."

"I told you before, I'm not selling you poisons. You want that, you go find it yourself. I'm not being the implement used to bring about death." Her eyes glowed in anger as she headed for the exit. But, she did not make it far before a familiar hissing sounded from by Agehneim.

Rushing back she was just in time to see him pick up Fern and hold him smugly. "Ah then how about just some snake venom. You really wouldn't miss a pest like this now would you?"

"Give him back!" she cried fearfully, stretching up to try and get the tiny snake back. "Agehneim please! I've told you before to leave him alone. He's no use to you!" He laughed at her and held the snake higher and higher just out of her reach.

"Imagine, a pretty thing like you so protective over such a nuisance. I'm doing you a favor by taking him off your hands. I ought to snap his neck and save you."
"No!" she screamed, jumping to reach up higher. "You mustn't! Please, just leave him alone." Ladybird was very close to sobbing now in distress.

"Would you do anything?"
"Yes," she meekly replied.
"Say it."
"I'll do anything."
"Kiss me."

Brown eyes glared up at him in defiance before looking higher towards her dearest friend. She shuttered her eyes and swallowed her disgust. Leaning up on her tip-toes she moved to kiss his cheek and was forced into kissing his lips as he grabbed her chin and held her there. All the words she wanted to say though were silenced as Fern was roughly returned to her. Fearful for her familiar, she held him close and looked him over for injury.

'Vile man!'
"You shoulds let me bites him!"
'Are you alright Fern? I was so worried'
"Stupids! He can'ts hurts me. I'm invincible!" Fern bragged, wrapping himself firmly around his human's wrist. Ladybird pet his scales lovingly in relief.

Toren could practically see the tension in the air; it was obvious to him that these two knew each other in some capacity to be on a first name basis, at least from his perspective. Agehneim wasn't hiding the fact that he felt comfortable enough to put his hands on her, though, a fact that shocked him enough to do a double take. At the point that it turned physical he had no idea how he was going to get out of this situation without identifying himself to the apothecary; he had been to his home enough, on errands for Akakios, to not be recognized and surely he wasn't forgetful enough to not know his name.

The other man was so forward with Petal, but Toren had had no idea he was the sort to act this way in public. Moving himself away from the horse a bit to peer around her, he caught sight of the snake in the other man's hands and cringed at the woman's shrill cry, realizing it was a sort of pet of hers. He thought it rather interesting that Agehneim seemed to know her sore spots, but his threats to get something as petty as a kiss? There was something odd about his harassment, for sure, but he didn't have time to ask questions or think on it now if he wanted to stop it.

"Agehneim," he finally spoke with a voice not sounding as strong as he'd hoped it to. "Leave her alone. I'm here on business for Akakios and he wouldn't be pleased to hear I had problems because of you." Stepping out, he folded his arms loosely across his chest and leaned against the wall as he looked between the other two. Every glance to Petal pleaded for her to play along even though he hoped she wouldn't judge him for being a servant of his master's house, if she even knew who he spoke of at all.

Going past the older man to take the necessary steps to put himself in front of Petal, Toren cleared his throat before continuing, "If I recall correctly, his order was not prepared the last time I visited, sir. He's been generous as it is to give you extra time. Are you going to openly mock his leniency and patience now, and hinder his other affairs? I would be happy to go inform him that you have so much free time now and that, surely, his order is finally ready for him."

Ladybird's brows knit together briefly at the sound of the unfamiliar name yet she remained silent as the other man stepped up for her. Her demure attitude could not last though as Agehneim began to sputter and accuse. "If your master has not recieved his promised order it is only because this little wench has refused to provide the necessary ingredients. She favors other clients over me and therefore will not sell what I have already paid for."

The botantist growled in disgust as her head shot up and she pushed her defender to the side. "How dare you! Agehneim you dirty snake, you accuse me with your half-truths! If you were stupid enough to make a deal that you can not fulfill then you should not blame me for your misfortunes. You have been aware since the beginning of out business together that I would not sell such things to you. If you remember correctly when you came to me desperate last week I threw the money back at you. I most certainly will not assist you in this pickle you seem to find yourself. Go find what you need yourself. I will not endager my life for yours!"

Her chest was heaving with anger as her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Fern's hissing rang loudly both in her head and her ears. Agehneim nodded his head in understanding and spoke much softer than her in reply. "Then you would be willing to tell my patron this, to explain to him why you refuse."

Aye, I must certainly would! I would explain it to the queen herself if I had to. I will not stand for you destroying my good name because yours is going down into the mud!"

The man smirked slightly as he turned to the manservant. "Then you will relay what the lady said to your master. I wash my hands of this. Ladybird Hornwort will personally inform him of my failings when he calls for answers." Had Ladybird seen the apothecary's smirk she would have been extremely unnerved by it. No one could be that cool or calm when their livlihood and reputation were on the line like that. Yet, she did not see it and therefore had no idea what she was allowing herself to be dragged into.

Toren couldn't believe what he was hearing as he watched the exchange. He thought about pleading with her to just do it and be done with it, that she was making a mistake in thinking she could handle this, despite how little he knew about her. He wouldn't do it, though, because of that very reason. Even if it might save her life, he knew that it was not his place to meddle with his master's affairs like this.

Her confidence was admirable, but he knew it would not be wise for her to bear such a risk. After all the news his master was going to hear, he was fairly certain that he would be in no mood to deal with a littler firecracker of a woman as well, especially just to have her telling him she was purposefully causing the delay in his orders. No, Toren already knew his master's patience for this sort of thing was usually minimal. Worse, she was already the woman he was trying to keep from him and she was making it too easy.

Now he had another name. He knew her business. He knew that Agehneim knew her, too. His dilemma was sparing her a few days more and have the apothecary tattle on them both or fess up and let the first source of the news be himself, which he knew would be both a blessing and horrible curse.

All he could do was glare at the older man. He wanted to scream that he was the sick, twisted man that he was, but Toren wanted no more punishment than he was already due. No doubt word of all of this was already going to reach Akakios somehow, some way. "I'll tell him what he needs to know," Toren finally spoke, trying to keep his voice level while glancing at this woman that had just talked herself into something truly dreadful, "but don't think he'll side with you so easily, you know how he loathes a sloth, Agehneim."

The older man breathed a satisfied sigh and cracked a toothy smile without missing a beat, thinking he knew what might be going on. "What business is it he could possibly have with her? I'm mighty curious, boy."
"It isn't my place to talk about that. You know I treat his matters with the utmost respect, sir."
"And you'd like me to respect that?"
"Yes."
"After you've gone and tried to embarrass me in public?"
"It was just a warning, and so is this." It should have bothered him how little this man seemed to care about crossing any line with him. It should have given him pause when he was so nonchalant about this. Toren was being backed into a corner quite easily and he didn't even know it yet. Right now, though, he was terrified of what was going to happen to himself and his acquaintance whom he, unfortunately, knew the name of now.

"I'll be on my way, then," Agehneim replied, his smile so prideful now. "Please do tell me what he decides, I can hardly wait to hear." With that, he was on his way back out to the gate with a final little glance down at the little snake coiled around Petal's wrist.

Toren watched him until he'd disappeared around the corner that he knew would lead him back down to his own shop, and he did not breathe a sigh of conflicted relief until then. Looking down at this woman he thought she surely could not know what she was speaking of before. "I really don't think you should talk to him," he immediately warned her, his eyes not settling on any one thing in his nervousness. "I'll take care of things..., sorry about your, um, snake, Miss."

The botanist looked up at the manservant with a look of calculation. She weighed his words heavily, not willing to throw them aside, yet not willing to hold onto them either. "Familiar," she at last corrected, raising her wrist to bring his attention to Fern.

"While the offer is appreciated I do not need you to take care of things for me. I am a grown woman and more than capable of handling things myself. If your master is the sort to deal with Agehneim darker side of business then I know well enough to be wary of him. Those who ask for the deadlier poisons in such quantities and combinations is indeed a man to avoid."

Ladybird was not a stupid woman, naive at times, but never stupid. The stern expression she carried on her face melted away though to the cheerful smile of before. "I'm sorry that you can't leave sooner. I hope your master won't be too displeased with you. Would you like to come inside and have some tea? It would just be while you wait for the bandages to set."

Fern meanwhile was racing up his mistress' arm and moved to curl comfortably about Ladybird's neck. Beady eyes watched the other man intently, daring him to harm the woman. A thin tongue flicked out tasting the air, enjoying the nervousness he found coming off the manservant. In a show of complete innocence, Fern nuzzled his head under her chin, much like an attention-seeking cat would do. Ladybird's eyes lowered briefly as she smiled a private little smile and pet her familiar's head.

"Familiar? What's familiar?" he questioned, his brow furrowing in tense confusion for the brief moment it took to realize that she'd been talking about the snake. That thing. His thoughts were immediately carried off to more prevalent matters, though, and his heart felt like it was falling in his chest to hear such familiar words as hers. She was confident, to be sure, but bravery had yet to save any women misfortunate enough to claim his master's particular favor.

He was about to ask how she knew about the poisons Agehneim was making, but surely if she sounded this sure of it she had to know something, either from what he'd asked for -which Toren wasn't really that knowledgeable in all the finer details of poisons, only purposes Akakios wanted them for- or the loud-mouthed apothecary didn't care at all and openly discussed such things, or just that the information lied in what skills she already possessed. Either way, he knew pretty much nothing about any of it and didn't particularly care to start now. At least, he figured, he could credit her in knowing she should stay away from his master.

His master. As true as it was, he would be lying to himself if he ever tried to claim that it stung at least a little to be spoken of in the context of his position, to always know others knew he was under at least orders if not ownership proper as well. This woman, though, was offering up an odd mix of signals for him with how she immediately offered him tea as well. Petal, or Ladybird -he was not sure what was entirely proper to call her by now-, seemed not a bit distressed by the precarious position he saw her in now.

"Tea. Bandages. Well, wouldn't it be alright if I just walked her slow? Nice and easy, nothing too much...and I wouldn't force her, I'd stop right away if she needed it, and... I just really should be getting home, Miss," he confided, remembering the letter he was so aware of now in his bag.

With only a few glances to the seemingly affectionate and now-quiet snake, he cracked a nervous smile and stuffed a shaky hand in his pocket as he turned to walk back towards the stall the pony was resting in. His mind was made up: He had to get out of here and he had to go now. The sooner he was gone, the less time he'd spent here and the more he could conveniently "forget".

"I won't be bothering you with this again, Miss, but thank you for your help, it's been much appreciated and I'll be sure to repay your kindness somehow," he assured with a stiff wave of his hand before reaching for the door as his other hand flew out to take hold of the reins and give her a tug with big, pleading eyes. The mare was stiff and slow, but she did begin to move gingerly for him. "Come on, girl," he whispered against her cheek with a hung head as he led her towards the exit, albeit slowly in his ashamed beeline. It still wasn't too late. He could try and forget. He could be distant and avoid the subject, but he didn't want someone so kind to get roped into any problems with Akakios. It was obvious to him that she cared for animals at least, and he wanted no part in destroying another bright soul and warm, generous heart.

Ladybird pursued her lips and resisted the urge to stomp her foot in agitation. She had done all she could to treat the horse. If the man would not listen and heed her advice she was helpless to do anything more. Her lips was nearly chewed through with the amount of words she was keeping locked up.

Finally unable to control herself anymore, Ladybird strode over to match pace with the stranger. "Sir, I can understand your rush. But, if you force her you could permanently damage the leg. She could be lame forevermore. Surely your master would be displeased with you if that were the case," the botanist tried reasoning.

"I can't force you to stay. However, I do advise you against going. Even the smallest amount of weight could pull on the tendons and muscles, worsening it. Then, there is also the infection I warned you about earlier." Her shoulders drooped as she stood on the barn's threshold. Ladybird threw up her hands in defeat, understanding that she would never win this argument. "I pray for your safe journey. Know that if you ever find yourself needing assistance Petal," she pointed at herself, "is always available to help."

He was terrified. Of what might come of these misfortunate days, of their misfortunate encounters, he was afraid. When he'd led the mare to stand just outside the barn, Toren finally gritted his teeth in frustration with his predicaments, of the defined line he tried to keep between home and the outside world being horrendously crossed already.

Already he knew that he was in danger in so many ways from the physical to the moral. He could see no promise of light to come, no break in the fence that kept him tethered to pasture. The river was soiled, polluted, and there was no way to cross it without succumbing and there was no way not to cross with the hounds at his back. Blinking slowly, trying to block the dark thoughts of the rough times and bad luck he was having, Toren finally turned his head to look at this woman beside him who seemed to think he was a far-lost cause.

"You do not know my master, Miss Petal," he finally spoke after letting her have her say. Still quite frustrated with the lot he'd been given and not seeing any relief in sight, the man stubbornly regathered the reins in his hand, twisting the stiff, dark leather this way and that.

"I accept my place in life, ma'am. It is not the best or worst by any means but I would appreciate it, if we should ever meet again, if you did not speak to me in terms of my master. He may do it," he punctuated with an irritated wave of his hand in the direction Agehneim had disappeared off in, "but he is wrong in doing so.

"It is enough to live under a roof of servitude, Miss Petal. I appreciate your help and concern. Really, I do. You...-- I hope you do not understand what he is, though, I truly hope so. I hope you do not know what he is capable of or what he's done because it is not a pretty sight. It is not a peaceful home. These are not peaceful times for us..." Realizing the length at which he'd been talking, Toren abruptly settled down. Slightly red in his cheeks from his irritation and riling himself up, he cleared his throat a few times and diverted his attention down to the most interesting pebble he'd ever seen.

"You are a very kind and gracious woman for what you've done for her and for me, but I will ask you now to please not take it upon yourself to confront him." It was the only warning he knew how to give. He did not want his position to be compromised and he did not wish to drag her into any trouble now. Already, he was going to have a hard enough time as it was to explain things without setting off Akakios on any of it. Whenever the apothecary decided to carry the story over as well...he would have to deal with that when the time came. Right now, though, he could certainly do without her actually trying to talk to the vampire.

"He is a man of little tolerance, in my experience. I promise I speak in your best interest when I say to keep away," he finished, glancing up at the small snake and then watching her in nervous quiet for a moment more. Then, Toren shook his messy hair out a bit while cringing slightly for the thin wrapping upon his neck that scraped over mostly-healed wounds there. Then, with a last nod to her, he took the necessary steps to lead the pony towards the gate and road.

The woman gasped softly and blushed crimson, looking much like a chastised child. "Forgive me," she murmured, clenching her hands into fists around her skirts. "I meant no offense to you, sir. That was completely uncalled for on my part. I did not mean to imply that by having an employer you are somehow lesser when you are not."

As the stranger stared down at the ground, Ladybird stared off to the side, brushing a stray tear away. She made no move to follow as he went ahead but she did reply to his warning. "I have no interest in chasing after your," she hesitated looking at him as if asking permission, "employer. If he comes to me that is another matter but, because you asked it of me I will not make the journey to him."

She tried to offer a smile but, could tell that it would not do much. There was a weariness in this man that she could not reach no matter what she did. "Take care sir, and thank you. I hope I have not caused you too much trouble. Your words have been heard and will be heeded." The botanist bowed her head and turned to walk away as well, not willing to let him see how truly embarrassed by her own behavior she was. Even Fern remained silent and watchful where normally he would have fussed over her.

It was wrong to leave like this, and he knew it, but he had to do it anyway. Every step he took to distance himself from this selfless woman had him feeling like he was doing both right and wrong by her for her help. In his eyes, the innocent should be kept from his master's paws as much as possible if they did not seek him out on their own. It was not in his power to protect them once Akakios took interest in others. Of course he also wasn't one to deprive his master, and he already had reason to believe that she might be in danger just as much as he if the previous week's occurrences spoke for anything.

Pausing briefly to listen to her farewell, Toren looked back over his shoulder to her for the words of thanks she spoke. That puzzled him; he'd done not one thing worthy of something else so kind and unwarranted. If anything, it was ironic to him that she should thank the man that might be the beginning of her end. Still, he nodded to her anyway for at least some acknowledgement of it all and then led the pony out the gate and down along the edge of the road to begin heading home again.

It did not take him very long to realize he truly had made a grave mistake. The pony was indeed quite tender and not very well at all. She was sweaty and tense, nervous and wound tight just ready to spring at any moment and it wasn't helping that Toren's nerves were just as fluttery and jumpy. By the time they veered off to the smaller path that led down to the estate still a couple of miles off they were both practically crawling in their own skins.

The lather the mare had worked up upon her neck and chest shone clearly in the moonlight and the smell told the man that there was also blood in the air from reopened wounds. Wincing for the animal, he pleaded with her to just get through the last stretch and then she would get a good, long rest, but the horse would not settle and only seemed more riled with every sound and movement from the woods at their right side.

After dropping her off at the stables and pleading the hand on duty to repay a favor and fabricate evidence of an accident in the barn to cover the story of the pony's wounds, Toren finally made his way to the estate with his knapsack clutched a bit too tightly in his hands. It was getting late, but he hoped he would still be considered on time with the promised letter.

The silence in the halls was telling enough for him; something was clearly amiss. Had he miscounted the days? Had something happened while he was away? Heading up to his master's quarters did not yield the vampire so he crossed to the study instead where he found Akakios lounging and honestly looking rather bored when he immediately spoke, "You did not knock."
"Ah..., may I enter? I have the letter you've been waiting for, sir," was the quiet answer as a fidgeting hand reached into the bag he carried.
"Of course, Toren," he snickered at the obvious discomfort of the younger man. "You're late, but give it here."

Quickly plucking it out and reaching to place it before his master as was one of their customs, though, Toren found his wrist roughly snatched forward. His mind was already racing, trying to figure out how late he actually was. Hissing in sharply was his biggest mistake there, though, for even a noise of surprise made it so obvious to the vampire how jittery his slave was. Slipping the folded paper from his fingers and setting it aside, though, Akakios did not let go. Instead, he gripped even tighter, pressing his fingers in to feel his pulse. "It's beating fast. Why?"
"Just excited to be home... It's been a long day," he answered, trying to shrug it off.
"Oh, really? Why don't you tell me about it, hm?" The pressure was finally released as the vampire leaned to sit back in his chair again and leave his slave standing there. Even after all the years he had been with him he still got a kick out of seeing him squirm.

"Well, it was just rough on the road trying to get back as soon as I could, sir."
"Hm. Well, has your little stroll sparked your memory at all?"
"About what, sir?"
"The letter."
"I delivered it, Master."
"Don't play stupid with me, you know better" -the words were smooth, calculated, like he'd thought on it all week in his absence- "I know that you're hiding something from me. You know I hate secrets."

Toren smiled a little before averting his gaze to stare down at the desk between them. "I do know this, sir."
"I told you to make sure you refreshed your memory, this is so unlike you... I'm disappointed."
"I assure you it is not my aim to displease you."
"How would you like to make up for it? I'm feeling generous."
"...It is not my choice."
"Good. Maybe you'll be more willing to speak when you can hardly breathe tomorrow. Will you be screaming in the yard again or biting your tongue this time? Do you ever wish I would let it run its course or do you just enjoy it that much?"
"It doesn't bother me, sir," was Toren's only answer, which he provided with that same sad, small smile again.

A slow grin stretched across Akakios's mouth. It was so rare to have any sense of rebellion or being uncooperative from him, but the vampire was quickly seeing that he was willing to tolerate whatever phase the younger man might have been going through if it meant getting to take appropriate actions against his behaviors.

Meanwhile back in town, the apothecary stewed over a way to make both the spitfire botanist and arrogant servant pay for their insolence. Night came and cast dancing shadows about the room as he continued to sit in the corner and sip his wine. "Yes indeed," he laughed darkly, "I shall make her pay dearly for her little display today. Akakios will being hearing about this that much is sure. She can deal with his wrath then. If I'm lucky, he'll even let me watch. Oh ho ho just you wait little Petal. You'll have met your match with this one. There is no winning against that man. No winning at all." The man went to bed with a happy heart and dark thoughts in his mind.

When morning came again he was standing on the doorstep of Petal and Frond long before it was due to open. Rapping testily on the door, Agehneim put on his best smirk and greeted the tired woman in a silky tone. "Fair lady Petal, might I have a word?" Not waiting for an answer, he pushed past the smaller figure and leaned against a support beam before looking at her.

"You know Petal, I really have been quite kind and forgiving with you. It would not due to continue to push my buttons like this. We made a business agreement which you shook on. I cannot allow this to continue like this. You will supply me with the good I have requested countless times or I will be forced to take desperate measures."

Ladybird stared back at him, silently seething. "What kind of measures are we talking about Agehneim? You are not exactly a lily-white innocent. Many would be able to point fingers at you if you were to somehow damage my property."

"Oh how harsh Petal dear. I was not implying anything. But accidents do happen. If you were ever in need of one of my remedies I would not be able to supply it with our current standing." He sighed and shook his head remorsefully. "Isn't your sister expecting her first child? I happen to have something that'll help with the birthing pains and increase the chances of livebirth. You do want your sister's happiness and good health do you not?"

The independent woman continued to glare as her familiar hissed from his perch around her neck. "Oh yes," Agehneim simpered. "That reminds me, I am just on my way to see my greatest patron. It would do me a lot of good if I had the necessary ingredients to present him with. If you would be so kind as-"

"I'm sure you can find those on the side of the road on your way Agehneim. Now if that is all you will be needing you may leave. Good day," she hissed moving to dismiss him. Just as she passed though the apothecary latched onto her forearm and yanked her close to his chest, effectively pinning her in place.

"Now, now Petal dearest not too fast. Wouldn't want me to get angry now would you?" He shook her harshly before lowering his face to hers. "Come now little lady, be a good girl and give me what I want and I'll make sure that boy you helped doesn't get hurt. His master is a fickle man. You don't want him hurt because of you? That would be terrible for business. Ladybird Hornwort, acclaimed helper of all in need, directly responsible for the severest of all punishments and near-death of an innocent who received her help. Oh how your true colors now show through. You'll be the talk of the town that much is sure," he whispered in her ear, nuzzling his face into her hair and neck. "Mm, you smell nice."

Angrily, she pushed him away, tearing the sleeves of her dress in the process. Tears sprung to her eyes in both disgust and anxiety. "Don't touch me you pig!" Agehneim growled and lunged after her, grabbing her by the hair as she clawed at him. He slapped her across the face, stunning her into compliance. "You listen to me and you listen good wench. If you don't get me what I need, exactly as I ask for it your head is going to roll. This patron of mine doesn't take kindly to being delayed. He won't think twice about harming you just because you are a pretty little thing."

With a firm grip still on her hair, Agehneim shook Ladybird about and then shoved her away. "Now bring me what I have been begging of you. The days of my patience have run out. You will do as you're told! Don't forget your sister now. Wouldn't want her brought to tears now."

Ashamed and hurting, Ladybird shuffled to the backroom and retrieved everything that she had been withholding from the apothecary. As much as she knew that he would do horrible things with what she was providing him with and that she could hang as much as he for it, she felt so helpless when it came to his threats towards her family. They were all she had and she would gladly die for them if it ever came to it. This small sacrifice on her part was nothing in comparison to the agony her sister would endure if she lost the baby.

Ladybird tried to hold her head high as she returned with the supplies. Her cheek stung horribly and was already beginning to bruise. 'I'm going to need to put arnica on that once he's gone. Wouldn't do for the customers to see that. I fell that's all. Just a tumble in the backroom, nothing to worry about.'

Though subdued in manner, the botanist did not withhold the defiant look of rage that flashed in her eyes. Shaking hands placed the jars on the table in front of the smirking man. "Your request, sir" she spat. "Now if that is all I have work to do."

Agehneim mockingly bowed low, tipping his hat at her before sweeping up his jars of Sentripe leaves and heading out the door. "Don't forget next time Petal. I expect your promptness in the future." Laughing, he left, slamming the door on his way out as he headed to his carriage awaiting him. The man entered and banged his fist on the ceiling. "Reolaras Estate." With a sigh he relaxed back onto the cushions. A smirk danced across his lips as he thought about the second part of his plan. 'Now to make him burn for it all.'

The pain was red. It pulsed. Everything hurt and it was only getting worse. He was slowly losing what control he so tightly clung to each and every day of his existence. It's not fair, but I deserve it, was all he kept thinking. Over and over, even though everything just continued to worsen with each passing minute. Everything ached, his chest felt tight, a sheen of sweat was already clearly present upon his skin, and if he moved the wrong way the wounds reopened quite easily. He couldn't focus, he was pale, and his chores were done blindly with the occasional pair of eyes watching to both pity him and rejoice in seeing proof that the vampire had been satiated for now.

The marks were on his left shoulder this time. They were hidden well enough except for the blood that would seep through, but that really was the least of his concerns right now. He'd already been subjected to several tearing bites almost immediately upon arrival and had not been able to sleep as things had progressed. What was worse, he knew the worst of it was not even close to coming to pass.

As usual, he kept his distance from his master as per orders and that was the second saving grace of this whole situation for him; he had managed to keep quiet about the woman who worked at the flower shop. Defiance was something he definitely wasn't known for, but Toren was glad that his refusal to speak had at least served to spare the kind woman. If she had been given up for the helpfulness that had ultimately saved his master's possessions he was not sure he could have been able to live with the guilt or to ever look her in the eye if he saw her again.

It was barely mid-morning yet, though, and there was already a healthy undertone of whispering throughout the home that even he could hear from the hallway. "A visitor" was all he kept hearing them say. Well, good. That'll keep him out of my hair for a day, probably... I didn't know he was expecting anyone, he thought, figuring something had been arranged in his absence and, unfortunately, not thinking the fact that someone had arrived at the estate to be anything odd or note-worthy.

What was odd, though, was the distinctive footsteps he heard coming down the stairs and then going at a good clip through the halls. It helped that the others quieted as he passed, but Toren would have known those boots and footfalls anywhere. But, it was highly unusual for Akakios to come down to greet someone himself, especially in the day. All he figured was that whoever it was was important. At least he was correct in that.

Akakios didn't even wait for the front door to be opened now, though, swinging it wide with the only thing keeping it from slamming into the wall being the quick hand of the slave who'd been trying to get it for him in the first place. He could overlook being woken for something actually important, to him at least, but the vampire wasn't taking kindly to being informed that the visitor was the apothecary he'd been expecting for days. That he was showing his face now was something he wanted to confront himself, and right now he was looking rather unimpressed as he stepped forward to lean an arm on the doorway to block the entry. "Agehneim," he chuckled dryly, glancing out to the carriage pulled up beside his home, "Has some ill befallen you? It feels like it's been ages."

"Ah good morning sir! Forgive me for bothering you at such a late hour. I just simply could not delay any longer." Agehneim bowed low in greeting before awkwardly squeezing his way past Akakios and into the hall.

"As promised the sample of your current request. Should it meet your approval I can now provide it in much larger quantities. I thank you for your concern but I am afraid I have had some trouble with me supplier. But, never fear she has been made to see reason now." He bowed again, offering a false smile of humbleness. Rising he seemed to remember something and shuffled to reach into his pocket. "Ah yes! I nearly forgot."

Agehneim pulled out small jar of salve no bigger than the palm of his hand. "I happened to have run into your errand boy at my supplier's home. Is your mare doing better now? She had quite a nasty wound when I saw her last, the poor dear." He shook his head remorsefully. "If it is not too bold of me to say, you really should find better help Akakios. That boy seemed only interested in flirting with the little chit Petal and cared nothing for his master's things. Why if I hadn't shown up there's no telling what they would have done next."

Mentally the man snorted. 'That'll teach them both to shame me. No one gets away with dirtying my name! Oh sweet Petal just you wait. You're going to meet your match for thorns. Take care for he'll prick you for sure! And you brat, you'll be the one to blame for it all. Oh how she'll blame you in the end when you cannot help her after all she did for you. Mmm I do love such happy endings!'

Turning his head to watch the other man manage to slip by him, Akakios didn't bother to budge to let him by any easier. He wasn't saying anything about it either, though, least not now. Perhaps a nice parting gift would be in order later. For now, though, he was scoffing at the idea of only being brought a sample when he'd already been made to wait for so long. Agehneim was lucky it would be too much of an inconvenience to find someone else good enough and willing to sell him what he wanted at the moment.

Finally turning around to face the apothecary as the little jar was held out, though, the vampire definitely perked up at the mentioning of Toren and gritted his teeth against the rushed, rattling closure of the door right behind him for it. He had no idea what he was talking about with the horse, though. As the other man continued on, Akakios shifted his gaze to stare intently at the woman who'd woken him until she slipped away to find and fetch the younger man. While it certainly wasn't typical on a day like this, he needed to speak to him. Now.

The more he heard, the more the fire in his belly grew. The mere thought of being betrayed like that and being lied to about so much by his favorite slave and favorite food had him ready to confront the boy himself rather than just go straight to his punishment. He deserved to squirm if all of this was true, it was too much for him to just get off the hook on this. At least this was something worth getting up for.

"Petal... Huh. You're quite sure it was him? And the horse... I suppose I never did see her come in, but this is all so odd." Running a hand through his hair, Akakios glanced to the hall the other slave had run off to, but she was yet to return. With whatever time he had left he was determined to get all the information he could out of Agehneim. Lowering the hand holding the jar he continued with, "Did it look like they knew each other well? Have you ever seen him there before?"

Agehneim donned a serious face despite the glee he felt inside. "Quite positive. We even traded for a moment or two. He was really quite hostile especially in his use of your name. I'm telling you Akakios you better beat some sense into that boy or get rid of him. He's going to cause all sorts of trouble."

The apothecary shook his head and averted his eyes to the floor. "I'm sorry to be the messenger of such poor news my friend. But, I thought it best you know." He sighed and watched the other man from the corner of his eye.

"Know each other? Well I wasn't there very long to determine that myself but your boy certainly got very territorial about her once I showed up. He went so far as to threaten me and try and pick a fight. I of course did not lower myself to squabble with such filth but yes, I do think his behavior indicated knowing the wench. Petal Hornwort's her name by the way, she's a flower shopkeeper. Gave me a mighty trouble bit of trouble over the Sentripe leaves. She promised me delivery and then refused to relinquish them after payment." Agehneim waved his hand flippantly. "Honestly Akakios I don't understand people these days. The two of them are completely irresponsible and ridiculous. It cannot be allowed to continue!"

Akakios had never known Agehneim to be entirely truthful, but the man was good at his trade and had had so few missteps that by this point it would be more of a pain to replace him than to just continue dealing. The news he bore, however, had certainly piqued his interest and sparked a small flame in his eyes; the mere thought that the words carried even a sliver of truth was practically unforgivable. Even worse, he entrusted so much to the one boy and Agehneim, while self-serving, didn't have much reason that he could see to lie about it. Much.

"How troublesome," was all he said as his gaze was still fixed on the hall as the sound of a door being shut echoed through. "And you said he used my name against you? And, at the least, spending time where he has no business for me.., this Petal must be quite special for him to stray..." A smile finally began to curl his lips at the sight of Toren finally appearing with the other servant girl keeping ahold of him still.

"Ah good, you remembered, dear. I'd hate for him to cause more trouble than he already has," Akakios thanked passively as she led the wide-eyed man closer to their master.

"Did you leave my precious pony a mess? Is it true that you wasted my time with nonsense flirting, Toren? I never thought I'd see you become so disrespectful, and after all I've provided you with, too." The vampire was genuinely disappointed in all of this, especially with knowing  that Toren had cost him so much already.

"Flirting?" Toren croaked between gritted teeth. "Sir, the horse was an honest accident! I was going to tell you about that soon, I just didn't want to waste your night or spoil... spoil your meal, sir," he insisted.

"You're avoiding it again. You've been doing this for days, Toren. My patience is running thin with you, boy. Tell me who you met. Tell me who Agehneim saw you with," Akakios stepped forward to demand as he began to recall other odd details about the other times he'd seen the younger man. "And the torn letter... You showed her. You showed her, didn't you?!" he barked, snatching him up by the collar and ignoring the danger of them being close right now.

Wild eyes searched behind Akakios for the apothecary and were genuinely startled when they rested upon the slimy man. Furrowing his brow, Toren practically growled at the accusations being placed upon him now for, he assumed, simply talking with an acquaintance. "I never showed her the letter. I swear to you I would never do such a thing, never break the trust you've place in me, sir," he pleaded.

"He saw me with...with the flower shopkeeper. I guess she deals in remedies, but she saw me with the mare... Sir, I swear, she was only helping me! She was badly hurt...the mare... She got bitten by some wolves on our trip and she was having so much trouble walking, sir. I swear I didn't stay any longer than I needed to, you must believe me, sir, you know I'm not the one who would wrong you!" he growled through the pain all while glaring at Agehneim.

"You're getting too defensive, boy. I truly am so disappointed in you. To think you feel the need to lie to me. That's just terrible..." An idea began to form then as he could see he wasn't going to get much out of Toren in his current state. "But if you really are sweet on her, I think she deserves to see you plead your case, hm? Defend her honor...and all that. Watch you pay for your lies, see you bleed for deceiving me and making me hear all of this from someone else." Glancing to Agehneim, he nodded in both acknowledgement and to continue on with putting his plan into motion.

"Toren... Return to town with our kind friend and bring me the girl. Will there be a problem with this, dear Agehneim? Can you handle this little favor of an errand for me? Make sure he doesn't run away with his sweetheart?" Akakios laughed.

Agehneim snorted gleefully as he nodded his head in acknowledgement to Akakios. "Of course it's not as if she has much honor to defend. The woman is known for her remedies. Consider it no problem at all sir. As you well know I am all for seeing justice served. What the both of them have done is inexcusable. I would trust no one else but you to handle this severe matter appropriately."

Latching onto Toren's arm, he yanked the servant close and made his goodbyes and exit. The false smile on his quickly face melted away as soon as he was out of the master's sight. "You're going to get it good boy. Told you to stay out of it," he growled out, dragging Toren to the carriage and roughly throwing him inside and onto one of the benches.

The apothecary joined him soon after, plopping himself down on the opposite bench and placing his large feet up right next Toren. Agehneim continued to move his legs closer and closer to Toren until the other man had no choice but to squeeze into a corner of the already cramped carriage. "Comfortable?" he taunted before signaling the driver to go. "I have to say I can't wait to hear your explanations to her. Petal has a lot of fire in her. I have to say our encounter this morning was quite pleasing. I guess I owe you thanks for that."

__
Ladybird meanwhile was getting ready to close up shop early for the day. Despite the multiple topical applications of the healing paste, a nasty purple bruise still shone on her pale cheek. Other fingerprint bruises had also sprouted on her arms from the man's cruel grip.

She wanted nothing more than to soak in the tub and then go to bed. But, the sounds of a carriage pulling up and the sound of a familiar voice, quickly squelched the idea. The young woman cringed inwardly as she heard the front door slam open and one of her cats screech angrily as its tail was stepped on. Pulling herself together, she marched into the frontroom only to freeze slightly in her tracks.

While she had know Agehneim would return, she had not expected to see the man he was literally dragging along with him. "I'm sorry but we are closed for the day. Come back in the morning."

"Now now Petal dear. Surely that is not the way you treat a favored customer. Surely not after our discussion this morning and your agreement to being prompt? Doesn't matter anyway though," he added flippantly, shoving Toren in front of him. "The boy has something to say to you." Ladybird glared at the apothecary as he crossed his arms and smirked lasciviously at her before drawing her gaze over to the other man expectantly.

If Toren hadn't already been bug-eyed enough before, he certainly was now. The angry, hurried way his master had shoved him off on someone else took him aback, but he was silently joyous for the distance it would put between them for a while. If only he could say the company he was exchanged for was more amicable.

The pain he felt was already exhausting enough, but being pushed around and forced into the corner only added to it. If discomfort was his goal, Agehneim was certainly outdoing himself. Crossing his arms defiantly and refusing to look at the other man, Toren still tried to hide all of this. He didn't want to speak to him at all, but he wanted answers. He craved them. He knew he probably would feel entirely restless until he got them.

For about an hour he remained entirely silent, but Toren eventually turned to glare at Agehneim. For now, he could not bring himself to lower himself that much, especially when he already felt so horrible, so instead of mouthing off like he'd been gearing up to do he tried to focus on figuring out what he could do to help his new acquaintance. He knew it would not be in her best interest to see Akakios even though he had called for her.

The glaring gradually turned into sadness and staring at the floor at the thought of seeing hurt in those kind eyes. Toren did not want to see that look when whatever trust might have been there was broken. He did not want to have to see an innocent woman fight for her life with his master, and he especially did not want to see Petal die for his own mistakes. He had already witnessed the fire of life broken so many times in his existence, but this particular girl had never come to his master for selfish reasons, nor asked for his help. Entirely innocent, was all he could think.

He heard more than saw the change of footing once they'd reached town, but once the carriage jumped to a halt Toren braced himself to be dragged back outside, which it seemed Agehneim was all too eager to do. Gentleness was something he was sure the apothecary was unaccustomed to as his arm screamed for mercy from the vice grip he was being held under. "Let go!" he grumbled once they'd entered the shop while struggling rather weakly to free himself.

The sound of her voice made him freeze in his tracks, though, and, again, not look up from the floor. The small sliver of hope that she would not be at home was squashed. Their short conversation was a blur to him in his current state, but the unknowing look in her eyes did him in as he stumbled forward.

Gulping loudly against the tightness in his throat, Toren finally lifted his head and stared wide-eyed at her for more than a comfortable moment as he pondered refusing his master's orders. Dropping his gaze again and rubbing at his aching arm, he finally spoke softly, "My master wishes to see you. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but won't you come with us?" He did not want to tell her his own fate depended upon her cooperation, but that would be telling the whole truth, a thing he was not accustomed to giving to many.
[hr:2bc9hbt3][/hr:2bc9hbt3]
Releasing Toren to Agehneim was not difficult, but maintaining his composure until they were gone was. The words of their encounter circled 'round in his head incessantly, like flies to rotten flesh. He could not rid himself of it, even as he busied himself with an early start to his day. He was not entirely himself in this.

The thoughts of betrayal had him wild-eyed and tense. As soon as the door was shut, Akakios went up to his main study to write. He wrote letters and reminders to himself, but nothing could get it off of his mind. Cleaning up for their eventual arrival did not help either: crisp clothes, shined boots, brushed hair. Every glance in a mirror grew his anger, every encounter with the other servants fueled his bubbling temper. Every small thing he noticed wrong about someone or something added to it; smoldering coals were quickly igniting to roaring fires the longer he waited.

"Who is this, this girl?!" he spat at his reflection. "Years of grooming. Years of training, discipline ruined by some... some harlot!" Akakios snatched his coat over his shoulders, for once fumbling to fasten ties and buttons.

Despite the collective joy that the vampire's attention was on others at the moment, the house was still too quiet for his liking. He knew they were waiting for him to explode and probably preparing to flee at the first sign of trouble, but even knowing that irritated him to no end. Nothing got him to settle. He paced the foyer, the halls, and just about every room of the house while he waited, but still nothing quelled his frustrations and need to know.

Finally, he climbed the eastern tower to sit. He lowered himself to staring out the window, just waiting. He was impatient, but could not bring himself to retrieve this mystery woman himself. He would wait, watch, listen. He would know when they arrived. Smell Toren's fear, feel him drown himself in worry, panic, and chaos, taste the bitterness of Agehneim's revenge, and...whatever this woman would give. Most were just as fearful as Toren could be, some came in brave only to crumble, some were lost souls, but it was never entirely the same. It was a game, his own brand of entertainment, and he couldn't wait for the show.

For a moment Ladybird just stared into Toren's eyes. Then, slowly she nodded her head and allowed a small smile to curl the corners of her lips. "Of course. I am sorry though that it is against what you had hoped for friend, but I believe that this misunderstanding can be easily cleared up. I am not the one at fault after all," she added quietly while shooting a dirty look in the apothecary's direction.

The woman let the hostility go though, instead placing a gentle hand on the younger man's upper arm in a friendly gesture before moving towards the door. She was not quick enough to doge Agehneim's grasp and was soon pulled flush up against him. From his place around her neck, Fern hissed warningly, baring his fangs as if to bite.

He only laughed though, tapping the snake on the head as he rubbed his face in her hair. "If you keep vermin such as him draped around your precious throat, I see no reason why something far better cannot venture there as well," he stated before yanking the snake away and pressing his lips to the now free bit of pale flesh.

Ladybird only struggled then as she was led outside for Fern. Everything else would just have to wait. The apothecary laughed, keeping the reptile just out of reach until they were all in the carriage once more. Again, he resumed his previous position with the addition of the young woman firmly ensconced within his embrace. Only then did he reluctantly hand over the creature and allow her to hide him away beneath her sleeve.

"You can let me go you know. There is plenty of room for me to sit down."
"That there is," Agehneim leered back as he clamped Ladybird's struggling form tightly into his lap. She did not stop until she realized he was getting a great deal of pleasure out of it all. Disgusted, the botanist froze in place before turning to look out the window. It physically sickened her to be desired by this vile man.

Each touch of his lips on her neck, his hands around her waist, his lecherous comments in her ear were close to driving her over the edge. She did not know whether to hit him, scream, hurl, jump out of the carriage, or a combination of many if not all of them. Ladybird had almost come to a decision when the carriage came to a blessed stop.

Agehneim curtly motioned with his to Toren as he lowered his legs from the seat and practically shoved him out of the carriage. Ladybird was quick on his heels as she tried to flee from the old man's clutches. Her skirt caught on the step, tangling with her legs and sending her headed face-first for the ground.

It would have been so easy to let her fight it and win. Toren could not yet fathom why she would agree, but he had to remind himself, too, that not many knew his master's ways as intimately as he. All he could hope was that she would find some way out of the pit she was walking into now. "Let us hope," was all he could bring himself to say as he walked numbly beside her. It was far too short-lived, however, when he felt himself being forced forward and Petal being snatched away. Even before he had a chance to let her huge favor of a kindness wash over himself he'd been herded back inside to the cramped corner he'd already spent so much time in today.

Even as Petal struggled once inside, though, he could not bring himself to look at her. His head was hung in classical shame as he gritted his teeth against the pain pulsing through his body. Everything he felt now was reduced to a sheen of sweat: His fears, pain, sickness, heartache. He was sure he would end up being physically ill by it all at some point, the wrongness of her situation already making him lock up.

It was no longer "How can I save her?" but "Can I save her?" that raced through his mind. Her fate seemed sure enough, a dark routine within the estate that seemed inescapable once the wheel had been set into motion. The horrible things going on across from him he could not bear to see and tried desperately not to hear. Once the carriage came to a stop, a whole new panic lurched through him. There was no hiding her now, but he hoped she might still be able to sneak her way by with her tongue.

Being pushed on his way out, he thought more than once to run to the front door, as he stumbled to get his footing, to hide away and never see what might happen to the woman he assumed would meet just as a misfortunate fate as others before her. It was the way. He knew, yet he was scared for them both.

Before he had time to move more than a step away from the carriage, however, he saw the door being opened by another and his master going at quite a clip towards it from what he could see swooping through the windows. Cringing, he looked over his shoulder just in time to see her not where he thought he might find her and looking like a bird that had failed to take off. Suddenly wide-eyed at the thought that she was falling, and fast, Toren immediately jumped forward to catch her by her shoulders. Only, he over-estimated her height and ended up being dragged down some himself before he managed to pull them both back up to their feet.

"Are you alright?" he whispered, eyes darting every which way trying to find the blood he prayed would not be there. "Are you hurt? I'm so, so sorry, Petal." Glaring up at Agehneim was all he could do, though he wanted to yell. He wanted to kick and fight and make him pay for his cruelness to her through an ordeal she did not deserve.

"Sorry?" came the growl at his back. Flinching, Toren dropped his hands from her immediately and turned to face Akakios, who now stood on the steps. "Still trying to be her shield? Aren't you a little weak for any more of that?" he mocked him, smiling while slowly shaking his head.

His gaze flickering to the woman behind his servant and then Agehneim after, with a wicked look of satisfaction for his benefit. Only then after did Akakios finally settle his eyes upon her. "I mean no disrespect, darling, but I could break him like a twig. That isn't saying much for you," he continued with a slight raise of his brow. "Fortunately for you, your time with him is up.  But it's good to see you have passion even in your goodbyes."

"That wasn't any--"

"I did not ask you to speak for her, Toren." His face flashed to a stone-cold stare in a heartbeat as he looked between them. "Get inside, I will speak to you after she is questioned."

Looking to Petal with an apologetic sadness in his eyes, Toren obeyed and shuffled along before he got them into further trouble.

"Good listener, isn't he?" Akakios commented with a chuckle as he watched him go and took a few steps down to stand closer to her. After a moment of looking her over again, the vampire held out his hand in a gesture for her own. "We have some business to discuss. I'm afraid it isn't optional, so why don't you come with me? We'll go sit somewhere quiet..., away from all of these silly people. I'm not sure what you might have been told, but I just have a few things I need to confirm with you and then you'll be on your way home. Sound all right?"

"I'm fine, thank you," she replied softly, blushing and gripping his arms to steady herself. Ladybird had been about to continue when a new voice interrupted her. Instantly, she let go of Toren and stood up straighter to coolly eye this new presence.

His clothing was impeccable with perfect crease lines and not a single spot or speck of dust. From his manner to his clothes suggested that this was the man of the house. Right there her older sister Blossom would have been impressed and won over. An organized man who was conscious of his appearance went far in life as it meant that he was just as careful with his money, something the Hornwort family had always been careful with.

Then there was his attitude. His biting comments, his verbal boasts of strength, it was all the way that he carried himself that would have endeared him to the youngest Hornwort daughter, Berry. The baby of the family tended to like her men with a wild streak in them. She enjoyed the thrill of the dangerous and unconventional which had on more than one occasion gotten her into a great deal of trouble.

Ladybird however, noticed neither of these things. Instead she had become fixated on word, darling. This made her mad. She was not his darling. She was not some simple-minded little chit from the lower ends of town. She was a merchant with a shop in the town's square and was living quite comfortably. The botanist hated being treated as inferior and judged by people who only had assumptions to make their decisions based off of.

While she had stood there silently appraising the much taller man, Agehneim had chuckled at the master's words. His eyes though were focused on something else. Instead of meeting the newcomer's they instead rested on a place on the back of Ladybird's shoulder and neck. The sight of a rather large and reddish-purple oval resting there brought the largest smirk to his old and pock-marked face. For one moment he looked up to catch the other man's eye before once more dropping it back down to the mark he himself had left on her.

"It was very good to see you sir. I will just hurry home now to finish working on that batch for you. I'm sorry I can not stay any longer to further lend my assistance however, has you know these things are quite time-sensitive. I would not dare to waste anymore of your time. A good evening to you sir. May your endeavors be fruitful," he sneered at the end, incapable at hiding his perverse glee. "Petal."

"Agehneim." Smirking still, the pompous apothecary scrambled back into the carriage and took off, peeking out from behind the curtains to see just how Ladybird's fire would get her into trouble.

Unaware of just how much danger she really was in, Ladybird stared up at the man with a face of stone. Her lips curled slightly into what was a small smile but there was no warmth in either it or her gaze. "Do no call me darling for I do not belong to you," she finally stated calmly, even as her small hand reached out to land within his own. There was no reason to be so stubborn and contrary. As far as she knew this was still just a misunderstanding and nothing that warranted poor behavior on her part. "If what you say is true then it is best if we get started. The longer things are put off the worse they often get."

Even in his slight haze he was able to spot the twinkle in the apothecary's eye. It drew his gaze from studying the woman before him, but the way the way he looked at her back told him something was amiss. Immediately, his thoughts turned to her hiding something on her person, but then he couldn't think of what might be so unimportant that Agehneim would not make some small scene to retrieve it. Probably the worst thing she could have had was a knife, but even that would not have been enough to do the damage it would have been meant for. For now, he would wait and see: there was nothing indicating now he should be mindful of her.

"You as well, faithful friend. Thank you for your service, as always," Akakios bid him, watching closely until he was stowed away. Turning his eyes back on Petal, he was more than a little surprised to see her hardened, emotionless appearance. "Indeed, madame, I meant no offense," he chuckled, bowing his head to her as she had given him what he'd wanted anyway. Her further remarks, however, struck him for their uncanny accuracy within his house.

With a smirking curl to his lips the vampire raised her hand slightly with his own in both approval and agreement before turning to step off and lead her inside. Despite the image he had of her already, she was certainly proving to have common sense quite quickly. "I have never heard truer words so candidly from an acquaintance. I am purely honest when I say that, in this house, living by those words would be in your best interest.

"But I trust your trip was pleasant? What have they told you?"

"I would not say that the trip was a pleasant one," she began, but continued in order to continue with the civil conversation they seemed to be having. "However, aside for the poor choice of company present the scenery was at least enjoyable. You have quite a few rare and beautiful plants that grow on your property. It gladdened me to see such sights.

"However, that is not really is not what you are after. Formalities aside, I have only been told that you wished to see me in order to discuss something personally. I have not been told why although I suspect it may have something to do with the supplies Agehneim claims I promised him. Is this indeed the correct matter, or have I been misled?"

Ladybird was not trying to keep matters cool and diplomatic. The sooner she could leave the better. Agehneim's leaving with her sole form of transport unnerved her some, although if she had a choice she would prefer to never share a ride with him ever again than to do so. His lecherous behavior sickened her even now to recall and she had to clench the hand not holding the stranger's to keep her roiling stomach in check. Fern soothingly slithered around the wrist, reminding her of his presence and that she needed to relax. 'Thank you Fern.'

He hadn't expected it, but Akakios was slightly disappointed that she didn't offer up any information immediately, or at least the kind he was looking for. "I only know what he has told me of the matter, but affairs between he and yourself are not really my business. It causes delays all around, but in the end I make the transaction with him. I'm afraid that's all I really have to say about that at the moment, but why don't you tell me a little about your relationship with Toren?" he prompted while shutting the door behind them. Immediately he turned again, though, to lead her upstairs to his study.

"How long has this been going on?" he asked while staring straight ahead despite the fact that he could have made it up and gotten them seated without opening an eye. He wasn't planning on telling her outright if she had been misled or not, though, for he had only sent them off with instructions to return with her.

Once he had reached the door he stopped abruptly to open it for her and gesture for her to enter ahead of himself. "Please, have a seat, would you?"

Ladybird's face scrunched up in confusion. "My relationship with Toren?" she repeated. "I would not call it a relationship as we have only had a handful of encounters thus far and all of them quite brief. What more is there to know?"

She looked up at him cautiously as she slowly settled on the edge of her seat. "I'm sorry but I don't understand why I am here then. If this is not about Agehneim and his dealings with the both of us, then what is this about? Surely you did not have me come here simply for my company, I am not that interesting an individual."

Her tones were kept even and business-like despite his odd questions. Hoping to change topics or steer things into her favor so that she could start garnering some information, Ladybird decided to play the ignorant card. "I am afraid sir that you have me at a bit of a disadvantage. You know who I am and yet I do not even know your name. Perhaps we could start again? I am called Petal, and you are?"

Even though she was owning to the fact she had met with Toren, he was not happy that she was not cooperating to the extent he had been hoping for. He thought she was just dancing around it and trying to distract him on purpose and he wasn't liking that one bit. With a set frown, he decided to oblige her before setting into her again. Bowing his head to her slightly as he took his own seat across from her, he began again, wondering, "You are called Petal or is that just your name?" Raising a brow at her, a small smirk formed at the idea she did not know who he was already. It was laughable, to him, and only further assured him that she was some sort of spy.

"Akakios Reolaras. I apologize for being so rude, I'm not accustomed to needing introductions," he explained, having at least that being truthful. "I have questions about Agehneim and our own arrangements with him, but I'm mostly interested in what you have talked with Toren about. And done with him. I'm curious about how you know each other and what your intentions are with each other as well, Petal. Would you be willing to share that information with me?"

I'm afraid there might have been some misunderstandings and I just want to clear things up between us across the table. Misunderstandings never really end well, in my experience. And, unfortunately, most of the time the vast majority of my suspicions are true. I would hate for that to be the case with you, honestly."

"A pleasure to meet you then Akakios Reolaras. I had heard of you but am not one to make assumptions. Such a terrible thing isn't it to be misunderstood all because of someone's misconceptions? I can completely understand your desire to clear up these misunderstandings as in truth I do not see how our businesses affect each other if this is not about Agehneim. Toren and I are not really something to talk about. I have only had two, no three if you include our lovely carriage ride here with that simply darling apothecary, encounters with him and they are nothing worth talking about really" she spoke evenly but with venom in her voice that clearly stated the ride was far from lovely and Agehneim would only be darling in death.

"As for intentions would it not be better to ask him yourself? Personally I have none other than possible friendship. I mean we are nothing now but," Ladybird paused as she thought of the appropriate word, "acquaintances. I am afraid sir that I still don't understand where this is going. I have no relationship with Toren. What does he have to do with anything? Perhaps you could tell what this misunderstanding is about and I can better correct for you. I cannot give you what you want without first knowing what that want is."

Ladybird truly did not understand what this was all about and was beginning to become a bit irritated. She was livid at being dragged from her home and subjected to the apothecary's treatment, all for what was appearing to be nothing. The whims of the noble class were infuriating. If this Akakios Reolaras really had just whisked her away for nothing she was going to raise high holy hell. There was only so much abuse and torment a girl could take in one day.

He saw this conversation going in a circle, never really reaching an end. The end he wanted was answers and despite her agreement, she was not providing what he sought out in the slightest. "Acquaintances. With the possibility of friendship, you say." The information was quite upsetting to him, already having it firmly set in his mind that there was something going on, particularly that she was spying for someone and was corrupting his most trusted servant. "Would you say you consider yourself a team in any way? Partners in some manner?

"And may I ask what you know of me, Petal?" he prodded, hoping to hear something telling besides the general rumors and tales. "What is it that you have heard?"

She was beginning to lose her patience. Ladybird knew they were dancing around a topic but she did not what it was. All she wanted was for the day to end already and her to crawl into her warm bed at home, far away from this elitist and his mind games.

"A team? What are you trying to get at Mister Reolaras? No we are not a team we are just two people that met due to circumstance and keep meeting. Our encounters are due to happenstance not premeditation. As for your character, I could fill books with the amounts of what I supposed were lies and rumors about you, but I am beginning to see that some of them quite true. Already I can write an entirely new chapter all about how manipulative you try to be in person. For once it seems town gossip might actually be true."

Her nostrils flared in anger. She was hurt and humiliated which only served to fuel her fiery temper. It did not take much to send her over the edge after she had had a run-in with Agehneim and she had been unfortunate enough to see him twice in one day. It had only been a matter of time before she snapped.

"Now," she started again in a calmer voice, "are we going to be adults where you explain frankly what this is all about, or are you going to continue your childish act of beating around the bush? Because I've had enough for one day. If you are not going to be open with me then this conversation is over."

The sudden bite to her was surprising but he certainly did not understand the cause of it all of a sudden, especially directed at him. It was rare for him to see a woman acting, to him, in such a vicious manner. "Forgive me," he began, willing to forget about her insults for now for the sake of his current desires. "I did not want to alarm you with speaking too bluntly in such a delicate matter.

"It seems as though I am housing a liar, traitor, and possible thief. This saddens me greatly, but recent events do not seem to point to many other conclusions. I merely wish to know the details of what meetings you have had with Toren. It is important that this is documented to the letter and I only seek your aid in this." Reaching across the desk, he pulled a few sheets of paper towards himself and prepared his quill for note-taking for the sake of looking the part and looking prepared.

"Could you start at the beginning, please? That is, if you are willing to work with me on this," he finished, his gaze set expectantly upon her.

"While Petal may be what I am called it does not mean I am as fragile as my name implies. I find it more alarming to converse with one who is too caged with their words. I understand discretion but I must say you are quite well-versed in this dance, sir," Ladybird informed him, her eyes staring defensively into the space between them, clear and guarded, almost daring him to look away from her.

Her ire had been diminished some with his willingness to be more open however, her outburst had also given her cause to reign herself in and return to the side of caution. It was true there were many rumors in town about this particular noble, Ladybird was not keen to find out just how true they may be.

"I am more than willing to assist you, Mister Reolaras. Although, I am afraid I will not be much help. My meetings with your servant have been brief and trivial." She sighed, allowing her eyes to close, her face to relax, as she thought back to the beginning. Not a muscle twitched or crinkled. She had nothing to hide.

"Our first meeting was in the town square. I had been finishing my deliveries for the day and had noticed that as Toren passed by me with his horse that he had dropped an envelope into a muddy puddle. I quickly retrieved it and returned it to him. I had not expected to see him again after that. We were but strangers. Our next meeting was later as he returned back into town yesterday. I had seen from my doorstep the state of his injured mare and approached him to assist. I do not like seeing animals harmed and I knew that I had the ability to help. I am sure that looking back on the matter, you would agree with me that having her healing and able to work in the future is far better than having her permanently maimed and unable to journey as far and bare a rider's weight. Toren accepted my help and allowed me to care for her leg.

"Agehneim," her eyes flashed open briefly at the name before closing once more in thought, "came while I was still working and proceeded to make a nuisance of himself. Your servant stood up for me and reminded the apothecary of his business with you. Something about it not being finished, I believe. After that both left and I did not see either of them again until this evening, when my presence was requested."

Ladybird opened her eyes once more to watch Akakios. She had done as he had asked and hoped to be on her way now. It was getting late and her cheek and arms ached badly. It took a great deal of self-control not to reach up to either to rub them. Instead she reached up and brushed her hair off one shoulder, unknowingly revealing the dark shadows of Agehneim's administrations on her neck.

"Will that be all sir? While I am glad to assist you in any way I can, I am afraid I have had a long day. The journey back to my home is will make it longer still."

While Ladybird spoke Akakios tapped his quill to paper without actually writing one thing. He watched her, just waiting for her to give the sort of indication he was looking for. All he needed was a sign that she was lying or hiding something and he would have been off like a hound at it. She was good, though, as far as he could tell. She didn't seem nervous. She didn't seem angry anymore, either, and she wasn't the least bit fidgety. There was nothing, to his dismay, that he could see that would indicate her to be a bad liar.

"Rest assured your assistance is appreciated, Petal, and your time and efforts will be compensated. I do agree with you that it is better for any livestock of mine to be in the best of health and all that, but that really wasn't what I wanted to discuss with you," Akakios began again, setting down the quill and sitting up in his seat as he eyed her hand motions and the mark that was revealed to him. Narrowing his eyes a bit at it, he leaned to the side a bit to make sure he was actually seeing what he was seeing upon her. "You are still very much necessary, but I'm afraid I cannot in good conscience let you travel on foot at this hour, especially considering where you came from.

"I will make arrangements for you here. If you really have had such a long day you should be getting some rest. I wouldn't mind resuming this conversation after they've gotten breakfast in you tomorrow. To spare you some embarrassment, though, I must tell you that the mark upon your neck is quite unseemly. I understand the manner through which you received it is probably highly personal, but it does disappoint me you did not divulge its existence on your own. I thought we had an understanding between each other," he spoke with a sincere tone of regret, feeling betrayed already by what seemed to him to be a very vague sense of cooperation on her part. "And that speaks volumes about your relationship with your acquaintance.

"A proper room will be arranged for you to remain at, though, until we get all of these pesky details sorted out. After that you will be free to return home in all the safety that can be had in the sunshine." Akakios swept the sheet of paper off the table, folded it, then set it at the corner nearest to him, and the quill was set back in its proper place. After that he finally rose and rounded the table to offer the woman a hand up. He didn't even bat an eye at the potential for seeming rude with all of his muffled demands and comments about her.

"Have you yet dined tonight, though?"

The young woman bit the inside of her cheek as she allowed a lie to slide of her tongue. "I thank you for your hospitality. However, it will not be necessary. You see I have distant relatives who live close by. I am sure they would be quite offended if I didn't stop by, being family and all," she informed him as her eyes dilated and moved to view a point slightly to the right of his head.

Her already weak smile faded into confusion though at the snide and derogatory remarks that Akakios was making. "Mark?" she repeated questioningly, reaching up a hand to touch first one side of her neck, then the other. "I am afraid I do not understand what you mean."

A tiny, blue head poked out from the collar of her dress and gently flicked its forked tongue against the marred flesh of her collarbone. 'Smelly ones dids it, the sibilant tones of her familiar declared angrily.

For a moment Ladybird's gaze became unfocused as she tried to understand what Fern meant before recalling the carriage ride to the Reolaras estate. Her eyes flashed in anger before cooling into a stony gaze.

Refusing the hand offered towards her, the young woman fluidly rose to her feet as a small hand reached to pull Fern from his current hiding place and to carefully wrap him around her wrist again. "I too was under the impression that we had an understanding Lord Reolaras, but it seems we were both mistaken. While I have been nothing but truthful," her cheeks flushed slightly at the slight fib about family she had told, "you have done nothing but insult me and imply false things about my character and my honor. And while we are on the subject, what I do and do not do with Agehneim is of none of your concern. I have told you everything you need to know. Now, if you do not mind I would like to go home!"

His eyes stared in blank puzzlement at her claim to having family in the area. For a moment it angered him because he immediately assumed that they were squatters on his land, considering he had no neighbors close by. This led to the conclusion that she was bluffing, but he wanted to see what else she might say before he called her out on it.

Her refusal of his help seemed like spit to the face, but he simply let his arm go slack. "I have not purposefully insulted you, madam, forgive me," he insisted, narrowing his brows at her and refusing to move so as to make her step around the chair if she wished to move. "And if you do not know all the questions I need to ask, do not assume you know when you've told me everything I 'need to know,'" he said, voice growing colder the more he went on about it.

"Perhaps we need to try another approach Miss Petal, but there are things I must know and basic human nature points to a high probability of you knowing such things. For everyone's sake, I still need to question you. Now, I would be happy to accompany you to your relatives' home. I'm embarrassed that I don't recall their names, living here for so long. We can talk along the way." With that he lifted his head and faced the door with an arm outstretched to it. "Lady first."

Ladybird resisted the urge to snort and roll her eyes at the nobleman's obvious false ignorance. 'No one can be that stupid, no one. Nice try Lord Reolaras, I know far better than that. Common I may be, dumb I am not.'

Instead she sighed in exasperation and looked up at him with the same look of annoyance any sister could give. "It is not assuming when I told you all that I know and all that there is that I know therefore it is not assumption on my part but truth. If you are that forgetful of a person then perhaps you should have been taking better notes. I understandably do not enjoy having to repeat myself, something I am sure that you understand quite well.

"As for other approaches, what other approach could you possibly be referring to? Plans to keep me locked up here forever, Reolaras? You can wait until tomorrow like a good little boy when we can reconvene and you will be able to ask the rest of your questions then. Just because you may have money does not mean you can always have your way. Now if you'll excuse me," the young woman coolly stated as she pushed her chair back and swept passed, heading for the door.

Fern hissed angrily, slinking up her arm to glare over her shoulder at the man that was upsetting her in that moment. "Hush," she finally admonished quietly, reaching up to pet the tiny blue head. "That's quite enough lip out of you little one."

The fine line that Ladybird was dancing on had not been realized by her quite yet. But, it would not be long before she remembered her place again and depending on the other man's reaction to her big talk be either running as fast as she could or cowering back in her chair.

Akakios stood stunned at her words, having no idea what he'd done to lead her to believe any of that about their meeting. As she swept past him, though, his frown slowly turned into a scowl at her strange resistance to speaking with him. To him, that was just screaming guilt, that she knew something she wasn't telling, false as that might have been.

His brows came together as he stared after her until...his eyes picked up on the movement at her shoulder and he heard the hiss. And she was hushing something. He walked after her calmly, trying to get a better look to see if there was actually anything there. And there was. His eyes widened at the sight of the small snake and he immediately ran for her, barreling down fast until he was close enough to snap up the creature on her.

He held the little snake high in the air just behind the head in case the creature decided to bite him from being scooped up so abruptly. "Well, now... just who is this, Petal? I believe you failed to introduce us. Please, would you?" he prompted, mocking her with a hand gesture as he grinned at the little prize in his hand.

"Fern!" the cry fell from Ladybird's lips before she could stop it as she felt her familiar tugged away from her. "Give him back," she pleaded worriedly, standing on tip-toe to reach what even she knew she could not. "Leave him alone," she continued, "he hasn't done anything to you. He's just a little snake, nothing more. Now give him back, you have been introduced."

The young woman was still reaching for her pet, nearly toppling into Akakios twice as she swayed off-balance. Should he keep her reaching any longer and she would start jumping for the serpent. Ladybird would not tell but her life was tied to her familiar's what he felt so too did she and with his much frailer body, that put her in serious danger when he was in another's hands. Very few were trusted with him, even among her own flesh and blood. To let him be held by a stranger that had mocked her and seemed inclined to keep her there was without a doubt terrifying for her. She could not let it continue, lest the noble harm them both, intentionally or not.

Fern on the other hand remained limp and wide-eyed for a moment, surprised at the quick movements that had plucked him from his lady's shoulder and clasped him in another's warm hand. A look down brought to view Ladybird's whining and nervous movements. She was far too overprotective of him, he thought especially when this other human must just be playing a game with her. It was all in good fun, of course.

Contently, he swung his tail up to curl his body snugly around the man's wrist and tried to wiggle his head a bit to free it. "Quites uncomfortssables like thisss!" he hissed, expecting to be released.

"Oh, Fern!" he chuckled darkly, jesting, "So nice to meet you finally, good sir."

As Petal tried for her snake he simply held him higher, stepping back further into the room to try and lead her where he wanted her. When the snake curled around his wrist, though, he looked to the creature with a curious twinkle in his eye for the lack of struggle even though he heard the faint hiss. "What a tame pet you have, lady," he admired, relaxing the hold he had on the snake's head as he lifted his free hand to gently pet along the creature's back.

"I quite like him," he decided, ignoring her attempts to retrieve the animal. "And I think he will be staying here. You are free to do so as well, of course; it would be rude of me not to offer you accommodations, and it would be such a shame to burden your family with an unannounced visit, wouldn't it?"

The snake removed his head from Akakios' loose grasp and unwound himself enough to turn and look the man in the face. His head cocked to the side as he studied him, his tongue flicking out to taste the air and get an idea of him, before letting his eyes close slowly in trust from the gentle petting of his scales. He hissed softly in contentment before slowly winding his way up the arm he was on, towards Akakios' face.

"He'ss only teassings Petal. We sshoulds stay! Tell him I's likes hims too!"

"I will not!" Ladybird shouted back, stomping her foot in agitation. "Lord Reolaras quit acting like such a beastly boy and kindly return that which you have stolen from me. I will not stand for this. Neither Fern nor I will be staying tonight here. We shall continue on to my family's home as I stated before, now give him back, please," she added the last word as an afterthought, still standing the balls of her feet in an attempt to claim her familiar back.

Like a puppet on a string she followed his backward lead without notice, her full attention on the little creature that was being held precariously in her opinion. "I said we could discuss things more in the morning if you are so inclined. Honestly what is your obsession with this matter? There is nothing between Toren and I. Now give my pet back before you drop him!"

Her final statement was punctuated by her actually jumping up to reach for the ever-climbing serpent. Said snake himself was ignoring her and instead hissing quietly, praising the kind man for his humor and gentleness much to Ladybird's chagrin.

"You are free to leave," he dismissed, waving his hand at her in an annoyed manner for her maintained childishness. As she jumped he took yet another step back, unwilling to let her get close enough to snatch away the little creature.

"You know, discussing this more in the morning does sound appealing now," he offered simply. "But he'll be staying here as a promise of your return. Now how does that sound?" It wasn't really a question, but he left her with it anyway.

Stepping around her now he strode past with quick feet to try and beat her to the door, though it was only to fuel the anxiety she held for the animal being in his possession.

"No I am not free to leave as long as you keep him here." Trying to ground herself, Ladybird took a moment to calm her breathing before continuing. "Have you have so little faith in people that you refuse to take someone at their word? I give you my word! I will return on the morrow even if it takes me all day on foot to do so!"

It angered her immensely to have to beg and plead for something that was already hers. Add to that the importance Fern held in and on her life, she could not afford to let this continue. The snake's own sibilant hissings in her mind of the man's virtues was only adding fuel to the fire. The final straw that drove her to continue her arguing though came when her familiar took it upon himself to slip within the collar of Akakios' shirt, having made his way successfully up the man's arm.

Ladybird saw red. She could see her pet's attempts to curl  around the bicep of his keeper beneath the sleeve and she could hear the praises that made her jaw clench so hard that when she opened her mouth to speak a cracking sound proceeded speech.

"If you are so insistent that there is more to talk of, then speak now. What more do you want from me? I have told you everything I know of what you have asked of me. What more could I possibly say other than everything that happened, exactly as it happened? There is nothing more! You are hunting the dark and jumping at shadows Lord Reolaras. I will not-HEY! Where do you think you're going?"

Scrambling to keep up with him, Ladybird nearly tripped on her own skirts. The movement however, propelled her forward enough to take hold of the nobleman's elbow and yank backwards on it. "Don't you dare take him away from me," she hissed, furiously. "I will not be played with like some little mouse!

Akakios paid no mind to her words until she had finally managed to grab hold of him. His eyes dilated in surprise as she yanked him to a standstill. Turning his head to look at her over his shoulder, his lips shaped into a pronounced frown at her "tantrum," as he saw it.

Tugging his arm from her grasp, he turned to face her and studied her in silence for a time, taking note of the anger behind her eyes, and the fear as well. "I will play with you however I see fit, Miss Petal. I have information about you and you are not telling me the whole truth about yourself and Toren. I don't know why you're protecting him... He's just a slave. I have no idea why some harlot would be  with a slave for free, assuming the risks involved," he spoke the last with a dark, disbelieving chuckle.

"Until you are ready to tell me the entire truth, I will be keeping him. I don't want to have to ask you again, I've already done so countless times with such patience. You will come to me and tell me everything you've heard, seen, or spoken about in his presence." Akakios paused, looking under his shirt at the small snake wrapped around his arm to make sure it was still there. "Now... You are free to go or to stay here until you are ready. Regardless, consider this snake mine until I'm satisfied with your information and honesty. You will, as a lady, have your own private suite should you choose to remain. I won't be lending out my carriage for some midnight drive to town, though, so the choice is yours. Easy or hard. Are we clear?" he finished with a scowl.

Ladybird froze in shock and confusion. The look he sent her way followed by the silence was far more intimidating than any yelling he could have done. However, it was the insults that truly got to her. 'How dare he call me a harlot! I've never slept with anyone in my life, let alone Toren! I don't even know him! Why can't he believe me? I'm telling the truth! Could you be anymore narcissistic?' she thought as she watched him fiddle with his clothing. 'Yes your impressive physique is still there darling.'

"How can you insult someone you don't even know? You dare call me a harlot," she spat the word, wincing at the mental image it conjured, "and yet you know nothing about me. How many times do I have to tell you the same story? I ran into Toren in the town square, saw his horse was lame, offered to assist him, treated the horse, and then saw him on his way. That's all that happened. There is nothing exciting to tell."

She sighed softly trying to regain her cool. "Lord Reolaras all I want is my fami-ly pet back. There is absolutely nothing more to tell you on this subject and I don't understand why you think there is. As for the room and carriage, neither are necessary as I am taking Fern and we are going home-to my family's relative's house, that's close by to here, because I'm not a burden, and I don't want to be a burden, to you. See that's not so hard now, is it?"

Her questions and repeated explanation were boring to him, and he merely frowned as the torn letter returned to the forefront of his thoughts. He still thought she was lying as he had fully convinced himself that she was the one who had seen such an important, private message. Though, he had no way of knowing just how much or how little that was. His point of anger was that she had seen it and not yet thought to be forthcoming about it when it was so important for him to find out what she knew, even possibly what Toren had told her, or so his paranoid thoughts drove him.

"I do not care that he is a family pet," he spoke calmly, trying to mentally soothe his frazzled nerves. "And you are not a burden. A room is nothing. But, if you insist on staying with your relatives, I must see you there. I feel as though I'm such a rude neighbor, not knowing who they are when we must live so close," he remarked, scratching at his cheek thoughtfully.

"I'll get my horse, if you will wait for me. Or...if you will not, I will catch up with you," he finished with a smirk, turning and heading for the door once more.

'I bet you would care if you knew what Fern really was. Mustn't let you know that though. Bad enough that you know holding him will force me into staying.'

"Please if you don't care then surely returning him to his owner would not be such a horrible thing. I fear you may injure him as he is a rather delicate creature and very precious to my household," Ladybird said, her voice filled with concern as she glanced worriedly towards her familiar's resting place while following the master of the house.

Aforementioned familiar was oblivious however, having already found Akakios' arm to be both warm and safe enough to sleep curled around. There would be no rousing him no matter what the woman said in protest. He was perfectly content where he was.

"As for my family, would it not be better to meet them in the morning? I do not wish to keep you as it is getting quite late and you have already expressed interest in my return come daylight, although I disagree with it being necessary. Honestly, it is not necessary that you come with me Lord Reolaras. I would not dare waste your time."

Despite his warnings not to leave without him, the young woman found herself torn. On the one hand she wanted to leave as soon as possible and did not believe he would be able to find her. On the other hand though she was insistent on not leaving without Fern. She worried about prolonged separation and the possible effects of it given the distance of her home in town and the secluded Reolaras manor. Ladybird hoped that her final pleas would be heard and that she could be on her way, damnable pet snake firmly in hand.

Crinkling his eyes at her, it slowly dawned on him how his wish at such a late hour might actually be a problem for humans. "I forget so easily that I keep different hours than most humans," he remarked, the comment the closest thing to an apology she would be getting as he turned to exit the study at last. "The offer of a room still remains, Petal," Akakios reiterated, hoping she would pick that choice. "But otherwise I will be taking you to your relatives' home at the very least. I would not go inside with you, simply take you there to save us both time and see my new neighbors. It would be rude of me to expect a lady to make such a trek in the dark.

"The choice is yours, so what will it be?"

The comment about his hours was considered odd but easily brushed aside. Nobles could afford to be eccentric and keep whatever hours they wanted unlike the common folk such as herself. She listened to him quietly, letting him speak without trying to form some snappish reply out of frustration. All she wanted was Fern back. She was not worried about returning since she believed she had nothing to hide and if he truly wanted her to return and waste her day then she would. If not for her reputation that Agehneim had been so kind as to drag through the mud, then for the quiet servant's that had been dragged alongside hers.

Ladybird took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Reaching out the hand closest to Akakios, she let it rest gently on his sleeve right over where Fern was resting peacefully. A sad expression shone upon her face as she allowed her thumb to rub softly against her familiar.

"Please, sir I do not wish to be difficult. And I do not want us to be on poor terms," she told him wearily. "I just have never been without Fern. He has been a close companion and I cannot bear to part from him. In turn, while I mean no insult I cannot accept your more than generous hospitality. It would not be right."

Her hand fell away from his arm to hang at her own side. Choosing her words carefully, she continued, "if you still wish to escort me to my family's home, then I will not stop you. I do not wish to inconvenience you; I am no lady and I am well aware of that fact. However, I would like to ask once more for the return of my pet once you have seen where they live. You will know where I am and if you are concerned that I will not be able to return in the morn as promised then you know where to send for me. Or given that it is such a late hour you could also stay the night."

A soft smile lifted the corners of her mouth not in mocking mirth but genuine joy. "My family would be more than glad to make room for one more in one of the guest rooms. That way though, come morning I would be right there at the breakfast table to ask more questions of," Ladybird teased slightly, her smile widening warmly.

The sudden realization of contact startled him enough that he jumped. Turning to look at her without a word, he watched as she lightly brushed against the snake hiding in his shirt sleeve. It was a bit unnerving to be touched so unexpectedly, but it did reinforce to him the importance of her snake. He listened to her plea but her continued refusal of his hospitality was grating on his nerves, especially upon hearing the alternative she was proposing.

Once she let her hand fall away he began to relax as he listened to her suggestion and the odd notion of talking over breakfast with some stranger's family right there. "Tell me this, Petal, if you truly desire for us to not be on 'poor terms,'" he began, looking away from her. "Why take all of that time and effort to spend a night with people I do not know in a house that is so close to my own when we are already right here?" Akakios scratched at his cheek in thought. "I mean, there are floors of guest rooms here, Petal, really. And my slaves would gladly serve you any food or comforts you desire. Plus, your snake friend will be so near at all times, and you won't have to worry about possibly...injuring him in our travels.

"Why would you rather go somewhere else and bother your family with an unexpected guest at such a late hour?"

"With all due respect," she began softly and level-headedly, "I was just trying to provide another alternative to those suggested. You do not have to make the journey with me but have insisted that should I make it that you also join me. The suggestion that you stay was to not further inconvenience you by making you travel back in the dark alone if you did not wish to. Staying also would allow you to ensure that I am genuine with my word and that I will return come morning to further discuss things with you as is your expressed desire. Forgive me if I have made a mistake and misunderstood the situation but, I was under the impression that you were keeping my pet to ensure my return. If you were at my side that would not be necessary."

Ladybird paused, taking a deep breath to maintain her calm before continuing. "Lord Reolaras I am not trying to insult you or displease you. I admit that despite your kind offers I do feel uncomfortable spending the night amid such grandeur in the house of a," she paused trying to phrase things appropriately without further upsetting him, "an eligible, bachelor. I am concerned that my unchaperoned presence would tarnish both our reputations, which is something that I would much rather do without if it is all the same to you.

"I really do thank you for your consideration of both my person and that of my pet. But, I feel I must insist in my leaving for the sakes of all present. Please, sir take no offense. I am but a common girl trying to be as respectful as she can in the presence of such a much sought-after member of our community."

Her head bowed in shame and submission. She did not know what else to say to him to make him understand. But, she had given it her all and Ladybird just wished that she was heard in the manner she had tried to be.

Remaining quiet to listen to her, Akakios became more and more interested in what she had to say the longer she spoke. She seemed very well-spoken for such a young woman, for one, but she also was keeping such a level head now in the face of such uncertainty surrounding her beloved pet. Her control of herself and her honesty was, if nothing else, impressive.

He was amused yet impressed that this young woman who was practically a stranger to him knew of him and knew his marital status at that. He hoped that meant he still had a relatively good reputation throughout the local towns for her to say such things of him. It earned her a relaxed, genuine smile at least.

Staring at her bowed head, the vampire began to relax. He was starting to feel that she might not want to sabotage him as he had originally thought. She was acting the part of a scared, but strong young lady despite her denial of such a thing. He definitely thought she looked the part of a commoner, but her mind was clever and he had to appreciate that and the thought that there might be something more there.

"How kind of you to be concerned for me," he said gently, the accusatory tone from before gone now. "I am disappointed, but I will give you this one opportunity to do things your way. No ill will come of you in this house, that I can swear to you. Just know, Petal, that if you burn me it will be the innocent that suffer for it." With that, Akakios reached up to loosen several of the ties along the collar of his shirt to give himself enough room to stick his arm under it.

Reaching inside, he carefully plucked the snake she called Fern from his resting place around his arm and held him out to her. "Your Fern." Agreeing with her was a gamble, but it was one he was willing to take. He didn't really need collateral if he would soon know where her family lived. Besides, she might feel like telling him more if she didn't feel threatened by him. Still, it was a big step to take to have any trust in a stranger, especially one who was able to convince him so well.

Ladybird nodded her head, looking the nobleman confidently in the eye to show her sincerity and truthfulness. "I am not one to burn bridges. I have no desire nor need to burn you sir. I hope you can believe me about that. I have no doubt of your own sincerity."

She gasped softly and blushed to see him undoing some of the ties of his tunic before she realized what he was doing. The careful return of her familiar, lit up her face as she cooed while taking the tiny snake back in her small hands. "Thank you," Ladybird murmured as she pressed a soft kiss to Fern's sleepy head.

"Thank you for that Lord Reolaras. You don't know how much he means to me," she admitted wearily, while wrapping the softly hissing snake around her wrist. Grumbling about being cold, Fern slid his way up her arm to rest high up by her shoulder beneath her sleeve, demaning to be left to sleep.

He was at least pleased to see her calm and acting civil again with the return of her pet. Her thanks seemed quite genuine, so he decided to just let it be and wait. He was sure he could get something out of her at a later time. Watching the snake make his way up her arm, Akakios smiled softly for the little creature and turned to lead her out of the house and out to the stables.

"Do you ride, Miss Petal?" he inquired, expecting her to say she was uncomfortable doing such a thing, as many ladies often were.

Following closely at the nobleman's side, the pair returned to the main foyer before exciting towards the stables. Not realizing that it would be out of character for her to know how to ride, Ladybird chuckled, shrugging her shoulders. "Of course," she replied simply as they entered the stables.

"Might I see your injured mare though before we depart? I'm sure you can afford the best of care for her but, I'd feel better seeing that she's alright for myself. She's such a sweet animal. I was impressed with her calm given the injury. You must be proud."

Surprised by her answer, he turned his head to stare at her. He had it practically made up that she must be bluffing for some reason. Her request was odd, though, and much too caring, he thought, for someone to be about an animal at this hour.

Shrugging, he replied, "Of course you may. I don't know which stall she's in, but I would be careful if I were you. Don't go inside, she might get spooked." The last thing he needed was an injured person at this hour.

Akakios went on ahead, though, once he'd opened the main doors. He knew exactly where his stallion would be waiting for him. "Are there...stables at your relative's home?" he called to her, thinking ahead and knowing he didn't want his prized horse to be standing outside all night.

"Thank you!" she cheerfully replied, ignoring his request to not go inside. Velvety, soft muzzles peaked out from various stalls to watch the little human make her way down until she finally stopped in front of the right stall.

The mare poked her head over the stall door and cautiously sniffed Ladybird's offered hand of greeting. "Hello pretty girl. Remember me? How are you feeling now?" The horse shook her head slightly, snorting before sniffing around the young woman's dress for the scents coming from the botanist.

"I'm sorry I don't have any treats for you sweetie," she giggled, slowly opening the stall door and slipping inside. Her hand ran cautiously down the injured foreleg while she continued to talk softly to the animal. "Aw you're looking much better already, sweetheart. Such a good girl," came the heartfelt praises. "How about tomorrow when I'm here I bring you a nice crisp apple. Would you like that? Yeah?"

Ladybird exited and closed the stall once more. She leaned forward to kiss the mare's nose giving one gentle ultimatum. "Be a good girl then and I'll see you in the morning." The young woman turned to face Akakios with a big smile on her face. "She'll be better in no time," she informed him. "I did my best for the scarring given my supplies. I'm sorry I couldn't do better but given enough rest and continued proper treatment she'll be as good as new.

"And yes," she began distractedly while she brushed her hands together, dusting them off before smoothing her skirts, "we do have stables. Granted my family doesn't have as many horses as you but we know how to care for the animals we have. If you're worried about your horse catching cold, we have extra blankets you can use," Ladybird added, concerned that he thought her so lowly as to not be able to properly care for his property.

Greeting the dark creature silently, the vampire went about saddling him himself. It was one of the few things he was willing to always do for himself and his mount. He listened to Petal's cooing across the barn. It was interesting to him how quickly her attitude had changed around him. Surely it could only be good for him, but he still felt the need to be a bit wary of her. After all, he still believed she had many, many things to hide from him.

"I think they'll be fine without blankets," he stated calmly as he finished cinching the girth. After pulling on a pair of gloves he fed him the bit and secured the bridle. "But thank you. I would rather not leave my horses to stand outside all morning. How comfortable are you with riding, really?" he asked, straightening and turning to face her. Exiting the stall and grabbing another set of tack, he began walking down the row of stalls in search of a horse for her. "And why are you so invested in mending my horse?" he wondered aloud.

Ladybird just smiled up at the nobleman, oblivious to his suspicions concerning her person. Instead she just walked alongside him, trying to stay out of his way. "I," she blushed feeling very embarrassed as she began her admission, "can't ride like a proper lady but, I can ride well enough. "My horse Butterscotch and I have journeyed to other provinces well enough without injury. I promise that you need not worry yourself about causing harm to one of your horses. I am no ninny. I won't force them to do something they can't," came her assurances that in part misunderstood the intention of his initial question.

"As for my investment as you call it, well it's nothing really. I don't expect anything in return or am even looking for it. It's just," the young woman shrugged, still smiling, "I just really like helping, whether it be a person or an animal. She started under my care and I just like knowing she will be alright. It's just the way I am," she explained.

He chuckled unexpectedly at her emphasis of proper. It also surprised him that she was comfortable enough to journey so far in a saddle and willing to admit it as well. He made note of it, sure he would have to watch out for any other hidden talents she might possess. "I didn't mean to question your abilities, Petal," the noble chuckled. "But since you're so comfortable, I suppose it doesn't matter which one I lend you for this ride."

Akakios paused and turned to face the stall doors as he looked up and down the barn. Bright eyes blinked at him, staring out curiously with that twinkle of eagerness he knew all too well. Finally, he settled upon his choice and started walking back towards the end his horse was at to a mare only a few stalls down. "She's a bit shorter than the rest, but not as short as the pony," was his explanation as he let himself into the stall and began preparing her for the trip.

"Is it just horses you have a soft spot for then?" he asked, glancing to her.

"Just as long as I can mount it shouldn't matter," she mumbled under her breath, wincing at the image of her trying to shimmy up his larger horses. "Ah thank you," came her louder response as she slowly approached the new horse. Once more Ladybird offered up a hand towards the horse, letting the mare sniff her hand and become acquainted with her.

"I like all animals," she began, running her hand along the mare's long neck to the opposite side of where Akakios was standing. "At home I have many "visitors" large and small that rest in my home or garden from time to time. I do what I can for those that need it."

A fond smile lit up her face while the young woman began to help the nobleman with preparing the mare for their travels. The act came easily to her from doing it so many times over the years. It was a very cathartic feeling, caring for another animal, not of course that she could explain that to Lord Reolaras.

"Does she have a name, Lord Reolaras?"

Her explanation was reasonable enough, though he thought it a bit childish to care for animals so deeply. He wasn't exactly the sort to have a deep nurturing drive. "I see," he acknowledged, trying to keep the boredom out of his voice. He couldn't imagine sharing his home with a pack of wild animals. Dogs were bad enough when he allowed them in.

Allowing her to work with him on the horse, Akakios took his time so that he could listen to what she was up to. Carefully placing the bridle over the mare's head, he shrugged at her question as he finished readying her for their ride. "Sabra," he answered. "Though I would prefer you not call me 'Lord' when you are talking to me directly, Petal."

Ladybird peaked her head out around Sabra's body to view Akakios. "What would you have me call you then, sir? I mean no disrespect," she informed him honestly. Her hands continued to pet the mare's long neck as the botanist moved around her to check the length of the stirrup on the nobleman's side. She did not fancy the idea of falling off and was not completely sure that he would know what length to pick for her given her shorter stature.

Once it had met her approval though, she found she was not sure what to do with herself. Ladybird felt awkward and out of place. She was after all just a commoner in the presence of a nobleman who did not seem too happy with her for some reason or another. Kia only knew what she had done to irritate him in the first place. Although she was praying that with the return of her familiar, that his better mood would prevail as she liked him a great deal more this way.

Watching her carefully as she moved around to his side Akakios took a step back to give her room to work and see just what she was doing. "If you won't have me calling you a lady, I will not have you calling me a lord," he explained simply, smiling a bit to himself at her poor reactions thus far to being called as such.

Her mouth opened and closed slightly as she flushed deeply. For a moment or two Ladybird found herself unable to speak coherently, her words came out as slight squawks and sputterings. "But, I'm not a lady," she finally was able to protest. "You are a lord. There's a difference!"

Uncomfortable and embarrassed by her mini-outburst, she busied herself with making sure the saddle was situated just right even though she knew well enough that it was fine. "Should we be going then?" Normally Ladybird would just mount up in the stable if she were at home, but in the nobleman's home, she did not know whether it was bad form to do so or not.

Smiling at her struggle, Akakios simply shrugged. She did have a point, but he wasn't about to acknowledge it because he didn't care about the formalities with someone he believed to be a prostitute. Sarcastically or not, he was determined to call her whatever he wanted to call her. It was something he thought better to discuss over their ride or at a later date.

"Yes, of course, thank you for reminding me," he said, moving out of the way and opening the stall door to lead the mare out to the aisle. "Here, take her. I'll get my horse." Releasing the reins, Akakios walked off to go retrieve his stallion from his stall after a quick check final check of the tack.

Obediently, Ladybird took Sabra's reigns and gently coaxed the mare out of the stall and into the center of the stables. Believing that Akakios was going to go mount his own horse, the botantist easily placed her foot in the stirrup and swung herself up into place, taking care to shift her weight properly without causing any discomfort to her borrowed steed.

"Good girl," she praised softly, patting the strong neck and silken mane of the beast beneath her. "Thank you for being so accommodating patient with me Sabra." She then carefully began to lead the horse forward a few steps, adjusting to the animal's responsiveness as well as feeling out her own comfort in the saddle while she waited for the nobleman to be ready.

Oblivious to what was going on, Akakios led his horse out and looked down the aisle ready to tell her to follow him. He stopped when he saw she was already seated atop her mount. Going wide-eyed for a moment, he opened his mouth to say something but then closed it. Smiling to himself, the vampire walked to the doors to open them to the night air so that she could ride out before mounting up in the doorway.

Adjusting his reins, he silently motioned for her to follow before he urged his stallion forward. He responded with a quickness he had come to expect of him, rocketing off at a steady gallop towards the familiar, worn road that was hidden in the distant darkness. Wondering if she would be able or if he would have to slow his beast, Akakios looked over his shoulder once his ears told him they had transitioned from tall grass to dirt.

Catching the nobleman's surprise from the corner of her eye, Ladybird felt a sense of pride in having proven herself as at least a somewhat capable woman. Keeping the other man's silence, she too moved Sabra forward to exit the stables. She was surprised though to see Akakios in such a hurry to bolt ahead, especially considering he did not know where they were headed.

With a roll of her eyes, the botanist set the mare off in a canter, unwilling to go any faster for fear of possibly having the animal throw a shoe or become injured under her watch. The last thing she needed was more accusations from the reclusive nobleman. While it was true she was tired, the need for speed was not nearly that great.

"Do you know the way?" she called from behind him when she caught him looking back.

Forcing the horse to slow when he realized she wasn't going to be catching up anytime soon, Akakios smirked for her question and raised his head proudly. "Unless they are living off of my own lands then I would assume we would be leaving my property first," he called back to her calmly. He was still very interested to know just who her relatives were, though he was sure they would not be anyone he should have known in the first place.

Holding back the excited, squealing stallion was difficult, but the animal knew to obey his master. He was just a very excitable beast and one who was very eager to work and had had little chance to recently. As they slowed to match pace beside the mare he finally relaxed into the easy rhythm.

"But no," Akakios continued in a much softer tone. "I do not know the way as I do not know where we are going exactly." He observed the way she rode and handled the mare and he found it impressive that she wasn't yanking on her at all and seemed comfortable and stable in the saddle. It made him feel a bit more comfortable with her overall in that she was probably telling the truth about her familiarity with horses.

"While it is true that they don't, I was only asking since I thought it might be nice if we rode together," she suggested with a gentle smile. Ladybird urged Sabra forward to pull alongside Akakios so that neither of them would have to strain or shout to converse.

Glancing down at his dark stallion who seemed to be under the firm control of his master, she began to wonder how often the reclusive nobleman even left his manor. "Your horse seems to be bursting with energy even for so late at night. I know that if I took my own boy out he would be right cross with me. Do you get a chance to ride often, my l-sir?"

Amused by her almost-slip, he turned to face forward as he stroked the strong neck of the stallion beneath him, acknowledging the horse's eagerness as well. "I do ride often," he replied. "But I don't always take the same one. I'm sure he's quite jealous of the attention the others get." As if responding, the black stallion nickered and tried to surge forward a bit, though he was quickly eased back down by the vampire.

"He knows he is favored, though," he chuckled, looking to her. "Does your Butterscotch feel the same way, you think?"

"Ladybird nodded and chuckled. "Oh I think Butterscotch knows exactly how much he is loved. He has a way of getting what he wants more times than he should. But, he's a good horse and has served me and the community well. I wouldn't trade him for the finest thoroughbred if even the goddess herself offered it to me."

Soothingly she ran her hand up and down Sabra's neck. "You never did tell me what I should call you, sir," she prompted with a small smirk. "Surely sir is no better than Lord."

It was interesting for him to hear her speak so fondly of her horse. Perhaps it was that she was a woman, but Akakios wasn't accustomed to talking about such things. He was worried that he was losing focus, that he would lose sight of why he wanted to question her and the potential danger she posed to him.

Distractedly staring ahead, he was nearly startled by her voice when she spoke again. Looking at her and the smirk as she addressed him, the vampire sent back one of his own. "You're right, it's just as insulting," he teased. "And forgive me, I thought it was apparent what you should call me, if not "lord" or "sir." You may call me Akakios if I am only to call you Petal and not "lady." I think it is only fair that we take familiar names with one another as I do intend for us to be spending quite a lot of time together until this...hiccup is resolved. Unless the lady objects?"

She looked first left and then right. "I don't see any ladies here to object, do you Akakios?" she playfully challenged. His previous statement though finally caught up with her and she stared at him in shock with wide eyes.

"What do you mean, a lot of time together? I thought you said you only had a few more questions for me in the morning. Should I be concerned about getting my work done tomorrow? Not that I'm complaining about spending time with you my-Akakios however, I'm sure you understand, I have a responsibility to my clients. I can't afford to let them down and lose business."

Ignoring her teasing, he only acknowledged it by rolling his eyes. As she caught up with what he'd said, though, he was very interested in what she had to say. "Are you looking to turn master into slave, Petal?" he wondered playfully, chuckling with great amusement at the notion.

"I would not worry a great deal," he told her, not wanting to worry her with his slip of tongue. "I'm sure you'll end up providing me with whatever I need from you, right? It shouldn't take too long. Any time I keep you from your business, though, will be thoroughly compensated, so please don't worry about that.

"The matters I need to discuss with you are of extreme importance... And it might serve us better to spend a bit more time on it sooner rather than later. I would hate to keep dragging you away from your work."

"No!" she squeaked, blushing darkly at her own slip. "That's not what I meant, I swear! Oh, you're teasing me aren't you?" She mumbled quietly to herself as she came to terms with her own embarrassment. Even as she listened to him explain things, she kept her head down and prayed the darkness of night hid her rosy cheeks.

Ladybird sighed heavily. "No compensation is necessary, Akakios. It is my reputation and not my client's money that concerns me. Unreliability is no good for business you see. Of course I will do my best to assist in any way that I can. But, as you've said it shouldn't take too long. I'm willing to answer your questions just as I have done so all evening."

He admired her commitment to her business, but he was having trouble seeing how that could still be more important than what he wanted with her. "I can understand that, having my own business myself," he told her. It pleased him  that she'd used his name instead this time. He hoped that meant they could make progress elsewhere in their odd relationship.

"Tell me, though... Do you not work with anyone else? You have no one to help you? You do everything by yourself?" he wondered, slowing his horse a bit more.

Ladybird shook her head. "No, it's only me that works in the shop. It's a family business but my parents have since retired and my sisters have their own lives. It's not the end of the world though. I really enjoy what I do," she told him with a soft smile. "There is just a certain satisfaction that comes from all your hard work paying off in the end."

Self-consciously she moved a stray hair behind her ear. "Then again I don't think that in your line of business you probably ever get your hands dirty. Don't really seem like the kind of man that plays in the dirt and all." She chuckled softly. "No offense."

He thought it interesting that she had family that would not or could not help her with her business. Perhaps that is why she has to resort to other means of earning money, he thought, frowning for how he pitied the idea of her that way. A dark chuckle rose in his throat at the way she painted him, as if he were some white-gloved lady who would not dare become involved in something messy or unsavory.

"I get my hands dirty plenty. Rarely with actual dirt, mind you, but I don't shy away from my work. Sometimes things just...need to be done, so I do them." He smiled across at her, though, amused still that she might think him to be so distanced from his livelihood. "But no offense has been taken, Petal. You couldn't have known," he shrugged off.

"What is this with your family, though? Why must your sisters have their own lives and leave you with all the work to do? How many do you have, anyway? Sisters, that is. And...what else do they do if they don't help? Do they just let their husbands support them?" he guessed, rolling his eyes at the memories of utter laziness he had seen in many noblewomen upon being married. Some had been so strong and vivacious only to become tamed, demure little creatures that seemed incapable of thinking for themselves anymore.

She blushed to think of him dirtying his hands. Ladybird could not honestly think of any work a nobleman could be involved in that would qualify as dirtying his hands yet she wisely held her tongue. She was not about to start another argument up with him if she could help it.

"It is not a bad thing that I run the shop you know," she stated a bit defensively. "My elder sister is married and expecting her first child. Her husband is a store clerk and she helps him when she can. Although if the healer has anything to say about it she should be off her feet and in bed. She pushes herself too hard." The botanist shook her head and rolled her eyes in thoughtful exasperation.

"As for my younger sister well, she lives with our parents and takes care of them. She is the "free spirit" of the family." Ladybird smiled fondly as she thought of Berry's antics. "It is not uncommon to find her getting into a spot of trouble or two, yet we love her all the same. She is engaged to some moneyed sailor-boy. So, as you can see we each lead our own hard-working lives. It was not luck of the draw but choice that led me to taking over our family shop. I take a lot of pride in doing so." Her head bobbed as she nodded sharply to accentuate her point.

He thought on what she was telling him. It seemed truthful enough, but he hadn't expected her to be so forthcoming. It made him suspicious as to why it felt like she was lying to him plenty of other times. She might just be the best liar you've ever met. Maybe it's all a lie. Every word from her mouth, he thought, glowering at the road ahead.

"They do sound busy. A baby on the way... And both in relationships, too. My goodness. You do sound like a very busy, hard-working lot," he said, hoping to just feed her obvious pride in her family. "Should I expect to meet your beau as well? Why does he not work in your shop?" Or is it Toren that you're after? That would be quite sad.

"Ha!" Ladybird scoffed. "There is no man in my life unless you're counting men who refuse to recognize a lack of relationship and insterest, in which case your associate, the apothecary Agehneim believes himself to have certain rights to my person and my property. Neither of which are his. Nope," she continued, letting her darker mood fall away. "I work in my little shop by myself but never alone. I have all my little furry visitors, you see." She giggled, crinkling her nose in amusement.

Akakios snorted at the idea of Agehneim going after her like that. He didn't doubt that there were two sides to that story. Perhaps he wouldn't think he had any rights to you if you didn't choose such a side profession. I'm sure he's paid good money for you before, he thought while sneering at her from the corner of his eye.

"I see," he mumbled. "And why is there no man in your life? Would he complicate your work too much?" he guessed, thinking himself quite clever. "Or are men not where your interests lie?"

The botanist looked over at the nobleman with a look of confusion and skepticism. "I am not sure that it is any of your business, sir however I believe I have not found the right man yet. As silly a notion as it may seem especially to one such as yourself, I happen to desire to marry out of love and not wealth. Until then I have my shop to run and my family to look out for. My youngest sister will not always be home to care for their health in their old age. Someone has to do it and I do not mind the idea."

Ladybird pursed her lips. She could not believe that not only had he insinuated such things but that he had had the nerve to voice it allowed. While it was true she may not be a woman of high-standing as he was accustomed to dealing with but that did not mean that she was any less of a hard-working or caring individual.

"I see nothing wrong with a man helping me run my business. A marriage is meant for a couple to work side-by-side in all that they do," she continued. "Besides, it's sweet to think of a couple working in a flowershop. It's romantic," she added softly, feeling her cheeks warm despite the cool night air. Often, Ladybird had thought of what it would be like to have her husband share in her work just as she had seen her own parents do. It was one of her favorite dreams.

The very idea of a man working in a flower shop brought a hearty chuckle from the vampire. He couldn't believe that was actually her grand, master plan in life. "Now, Petal," he chastised sweetly. "What makes you think a man would want to work in a flower shop?

"And if love is your only obstacle, why have you not married? I would think there are plenty of eligible men in this province alone. Do none of them interest you except for my Toren?" he guessed.

As far as he was concerned, she wanted a fairytale. But he really was curious about what might be holding her back if her family already had the connections she claimed it to have.

"Well my father ran the shop before me and his father before him and his father before him. Sadly my father never had any sons otherwise it would have gone to them instead of me. However, I don't regret it for a moment. Petal and Frond is a pleasant establishment where the work is always rewarding," she informed him, feeling a bit unhappy that he would believe no man would want to work in a flowershop. It was the same kind of attitude that always served to put her in a foul mood. Why Ladybird could not think of a more romantic or adorable profession for a man than a flowershop owner unless of course he was a librarian but that was another fantasy she would rather not get into given her present company.

Yet she found herself stunned to hear him talk about her lack of a husband. For a moment, Ladybird stared at him dumbfounded resisting the urge to smack him for not even listening to himself speak. "I do believe Akakios that you have already identified the reason why I am not married. I have yet to find a man that I love and," she paused, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Toren? He doesn't interest me!" She made a scoffing chuckle. "I don't even know," she protested further shaking her head. "You can't exactly fall in love with someone you have only met twice. Um, excuse thrice. I cannot help but wonder what kind of woman you take me for Akakios. I would not dare insult your upbringing but you cannot honestly believe that every common-woman just throws herself at any man to come across her path. The world just doesn't work like that. At least, not this one."

Akakios was honestly surprised to hear about her family's history with the shop. The name sounded familiar, but he was very certain he had never set foot in it before and he intended to keep it that way. Though he was interested in her slip regarding Toren, he chose to just keep the information to himself for now and not get into another argument with her while she rode a very expensive animal of his.

"Love," he scoffed, though he knew the feeling quite well and the pain it had brought him in the past. "Forgive my assumptions, then, Petal. In my life I have known most common girls to desire marriage for necessity and survival. I'm certain that not everyone can hope to make such a valuable contribution to society as you do.

"But perhaps you are right. Perhaps I have not opened my eyes to the changes of recent years," he shrugged and turned his head to further inquire, "What is so rewarding about your work?"

Her lips pursed in displeasure as he mocked her desire for love. "Aye, I can understand that some of us require a marriage for survival but my family and I have been blessed with good fortune. While we may never be as rich as you, we are able to live comfortably with few wants."

Ladybird smiled to herself before sitting up straighter in the saddle. Being asked why her job was so special always set her in this mood. "Well," she began, "flowers are seriously misunderstood. They are something trod upon or uprooted for beauty alone. Few understand that they have meaning, that they say what sometimes we cannot. Some provide nourishment while others have properties to heal. They are very necessary for our survival and therefore we can't live without them. The flowershop is therefore versatile as I provide for many different clients. Some wish raw ingredients for their own work like the apothecary. Some want plants in their home for beauty or for medicinal purposes. The blacksmith buys aloe from me in order to treat his burns.

"So you see, it's not as silly a business as most perceive. It has a lot of use. My customers' thanks is all the reward I need for helping our community. And I've run at the mouth again," Ladybird stated with another blush. She chewed on her lip nervously while shaking her head slightly. "My apologies. I am rather passionate when it comes to what I do. Sometimes I get carried away."

To him it was laughable that so many people could live comfortably as commoners, assuming that they all lived together. He truly was very out of touch with the realities of the people he himself lived so close to.

"But flowers don't actually mean anything," he protested. "They're just dead plants... I understand how they can be useful and all, but they still are just plants. Dead plants. They don't have any meaning besides their usefulness. I suppose that's good for you if you've found such a fruitful niche to work in," he said with a shrug, entirely ignoring the shop's history she'd given to him already.

"I doubt so many people could live comfortably off of a flower shop," he scoffed, not believing her in the least. "But I suppose it's good that you have a passion. It's a rare thing to find, I think."

"They're not always dead!" she protested angrily, before she was able to catch herself from making such a haughty outburst. Ladybird blushed, clearing her throat for a moment before continuing a bit more calmly. "I sell living plants as well. I mean some such as the healing plants have much more use alive than they do dead. The aloe plant as I have already mentioned is a continuous supply of burn relief if kept alive."

Feeling a bit agitated to have her family business so ridiculed, she reached forward to rub her mare's ears as a soothing gesture to both. She hated it when others demeaned her line of work as if she was a fool for selling flowers.

"Are you accusing me of having a lucrative side business Akakios," she queried him bluntly, an eyebrow raised in challenge. "I can assure you my family lives quite comfortably off the flowershop's earnings. My two sister's and I never wanted for anything growing up. Perhaps though you are comparing our way of living to your far more extravagant luxuries. Not all of us require such padded cells to contain us though. We are not glass that breaks with a fall nor are we lamed if dirt should happen come in contact with us."

A faint smile graced her face as she amused herself with comparing the noble life with that of a commoner. Ladybird felt two could play at his game. He seemed intent on believing she was incapable of living so comfortably so she had no qualms with disproving it all the while reminding him of his own spoiled upbringing. Or at least she assumed it was spoiled. In her experience, those with money tended to be. The mayor's children were example enough of that and they did not have nearly as much money as Lord Reolaras. She could only imagine what kind of horror he was in his youth.

He listened to what she had to say with interest. From what limited knowledge he had of plants he couldn't deny that she seemed correct. She must have learned it from somewhere, and why would anyone even lie about such a thing if they wanted to? Still, he was still having trouble grasping how such a, to him, large family survived let alone lived comfortably with such a thing for most of their income. He truly had been living his own life for too long, he was far out of touch with what a common family could live on as he was too accustomed to more vain people trying to claw their way into his lifestyle or always needing money for something or another. "Believe me, Petal, I've done more than my fair share of hard work in my life," he replied, a bit offended at her blind accusations.

"I am neither fragile nor averse to getting my hands dirty," Akakios continued with a frown. "No matter who I hire or what I have done for me, someone has to pick up the slack when the weaklings or liars quit their posts or attempt to sabotage me. I am very comfortable doing what needs to be done, and I am well-rewarded for it with my success.

"If you think hunting for your flowers and plants is the only hard work there is to be had in the world, you are sorely mistaken," he said, more disappointed than anything that she seemed like such a jealous person to him.

Ladybird shook her head and sighed. "I am not out to demean the work you do. Frankly I have neither the knowledge nor truly the interest in knowing what it is either. If you have taken offense in the belief that I accuse you of not knowing difficult work then I retract my statement. I simply mean that I find it rather difficult to believe that someone as well-off physically and financially as you would willingly indulge in work that involved being elbow-deep in manure. I mean, my own sisters hate it for heaven's sake and personally I'm not too thrilled about needing to do it either but as I'm sure as a businessman you would know, you do what needs to be done to get the job done."

She took a deep breath to not only calm herself but also to regain her bearings from giving such a speech. It was not her normal habit to be telling other people their business but there was just something about this nobleman that got under her skin and made her want claw him back out form his happy little niche. What she failed to notice though in her small, private moment was a bush up ahead quivered with a bit more force than the current breeze was capable of.

He unknowingly twisted up his face at the idea of being "elbow-deep in manure". That was something he could certainly say he'd never done in his entire existence. "Well, no, not manure," he began, unsure if she might understand his own definition if that was her standard for hard work. "I am rarely away from my work, in any facet of my life. I hardly ever step away from it because there's almost always something that needs to be done.

"True, I may not do such physical work as you might, but I'm always writing, frequently travel, and still make arrangements within my household and my more local contacts. There are many people and conversations to coordinate, and there is a lot of responsibility and pressure that rides upon my shoulders. There is not a thing that goes on in my business that I don't know about. Not a thing, and I work very hard to keep everything in line and in order, Peta-" His ranting was cut off sharply and he bit the inside of his cheek as his stallion suddenly lurched his shoulders up in surprise as a couple of shadowed figures ran out towards him.

Instinctively, the horse slowed and moved himself to keep between the mare and the figures on the ground as he grunted and huffed his warnings. Throwing his weight around in a show, his rider was thrown off balance and left scrambling to hold onto the animal's dark mane as he muttered obscenities about being surprised in such a way when he himself could not see what was causing the problem. "What's the matter with you?" he snapped at him sharply, trying to calm him and gain control in his seat once more.

The woman nodded her head in understanding. It was as she assumed; he knew the art of business but not that of the blood, sweat, tears that came from physical labor. She respected what he said but still felt that of the two of them, she had worked harder to get where she was. Ladybird highly doubted Akakios ever had to make the kinds of sacrifices she did in order to further business. There just was no way he had given up things like his social life or extravagant purchases. Yet, every month she had to way the pros and cons of her purchases and determine what was practical or frivolous.

She was just as startled as he though as his stallion suddenly pitched forward before moving to stand between her own mare and the road ahead. Instinctively her own hand relaxed on her horse's reigns for fear of the animal likewise startling and accidentally hurting herself.

Below her Sabra danced anxiously. Her nostrils flared slightly and head tossed about with ears pressed flat as if she knew something foreboding her rider did not. Ladybird tried to soothe the mares nerves by running a comforting hand along the creature's long neck but it did little save to cause an ear to flicker slightly. Grumpily, Sabra tried to nip at the stallion's flank while turning off to the side so that she could eye the dirt road in both directions.

The shopkeeper was just about to open her mouth and admonish Akakios for his grumblings when the bushes rustled moments before a body sprang out of them towards mare and rider alike. Sabra squealed and backed up quickly until her hindquarters bumped into those of the stallion. Ladybird on the other hand did the first thing that came to her mind when the figure continued to lunge at them; she kicked him right in the head. In an instant the man dropped like a rock falling in front of Sabra with a dusty thud.

The brushing of teeth against his skin only did to irritate the stallion to the point of squealing in protest at the mare. Thrashing his head about, he tried to appear as large and menacing as possible as Akakios tried to calm his usually extremely quiet horse while peering ahead at the figure standing in the road. Just as he was getting a clearer look at the human he was rocked to the side roughly as the mare backed into his own mount and caused him to sidestep harshly. "Easy, girl!" he hissed irritatedly as he put some space between the two horses for fear of his prized horse becoming injured.

Looking back to the person ahead, though, he heard the sharp crack of shoe connecting with bone and the quick thud that followed as the other, previously unnoticed person fell to the ground. Staring in disbelief as his horse startled yet again, Akakios grumbled and yanked him to face forward with the intention of confronting the other person but he was met with a gradually shrinking silhouette as they fled the scene.

Grumpy now from this disturbance in their travels, Akakios slackened the reins and quickly dismounted to confront the seemingly immobile lump. Grabbing the young man up by his collar, the vampire scowled down at him in disgust and shook him some in frustration. "Who are you?" he demanded angrily, not wanting to wait for this likely injured man to gain his bearings. "And what do you think you're doing? You realize this is private, owned property, don't you?"

Ladybird continued to try and soothe the mares nerves, whispering gentle words of comfort while keeping a watchful eye on both the assailant and Akakios alike. Meanwhile, the waspish form of the now apparent adolescent male groaned as he was bodily lifted off the ground.

He winced and raised a hand to his brow, whimpering and whining as his fingers came away streaked red. "Damn horse kick-ed me," he complained, oblivious to the way the woman's eyes widened in surprise before narrowing in displeasure.

"I know that voice," she muttered trying to place a name to the figure before her.

"Com'on gov'nor ev'ryone knows this belongs to the city. You canna take a road from me! I'll have you froggy-march-ed for this I will! Don't you know who I am? Unhand me you-you-cockapee!"

Ignoring his complaint of injury, Akakios glared down at him for his ridiculous squawking. "I don't care who you are, and I don't care about what the damn city says about a road that's on my personal land," he growled, certain he had some filthy squatter on his hands that had been leeching  his resources for who knows how long.

"What's your name?" he demanded again, irritated with his time-wasting as he continued bitterly, "If I knew who you were and you had some importance or purpose here I would have already recognized you."

Before the boy could respond, Ladybird interjected with an angry utterance. "Goddfrey Marshalton what do you think you're doing?" she admonished, glaring down sternly at the young man who tried to shrink and cower away from the shadowed figure, silhouetted by the moon.

"See at least the chit knows my name? What kind of man are you that you don't knowa it?"

"Is that how you talk to your mother young man?" she growled, dismounting from her horse's back and moving to stand in front of the men. "Shall I tell her of her son's poor behavior? What do you think you're doing? Don't you talk back to me, now!"

Goddfrey stared at her flabbergasted, mouth hung open, unable to get a word in edgewise with the way she was carrying on. "You're going to get someone killed with this tomfoolery," she continued. "Most likely yourself for that matter. Perhaps though that kick to the head will have knocked some sense into you! I certainly hope so as I would hate to see your mother broken over how her son sits in the city jail for highway robbery and murder."

As she tried to catch her breath, chest rising and falling in a rapid rhythm, the boy finally took his chance to get a word in. However, once he caught sight of the woman's face before him, he paled further and unconsciously pressed back into Akakios in an attempt to hide.

"Please Missy Petal, donna go tellin' my Ma. You know she has a bad heart. She'da die if she just knew."

"Well maybe you should have thought of that before you scared good people just minding their own business!" Ladybird growled, her hands in fists at her sides. She continued to glare at Goddfrey while she thought of how to handle this situation.

Akakios scowled at him as Petal took the reins for this situation, something he hadn't expected at all from her. It was clear to him after a few moments that she knew him somehow, especially with how harsh she was being, though accurate to what his actions might have counted for.

Surprised that he would turn his back on him in fear of the woman before them, Akakios simply watched in amazement as the young man cowered and pleaded with her. Noticing how worked up she was getting, though, he swiftly guided him around the other side of his horse and pushed him off towards the road ahead. "Get off my land," he told him grumpily.

"You're disturbing the lady, which is hardly an appropriate thing to do in the middle of the night. Go home and don't bother us again. Tell your cowardly friend the same. I don't care who any of you are, just go," he insisted, snatching up the reins of the stallion as he watched the boy scramble on down the road before he turned to face Petal with a frown.

"Are you alright?" he asked her, looking her up and down.

"Yes, yes," she informed him distractedly, her eyes still trained after the disappearing figure. "I don't believe him! Her mother would be so ashamed if she found out. But then she would also tan his hide raw too for that matter." Ladybird sighed and shook her head, finally turning to look at Akakios.

"You said there was another? Did you see his face? I would've liked to tell him off too had he stuck around, I'll tell you. Some of these boys are such," the woman grumbled and let out an exasperated sound of frustration. "Adolescent heebie-jeepbies, is what it is. One of these days though they're going to get themselves killed. It just isn't right. No it just isn't Akakios," she informed him with a sad shake of her head.

"I didn't see, no, though he looked around the same height...and age," he told her with a shrug as he observed how worked up she was about it all.

Trying not to laugh or even chuckle at the name she called them, Akakios cleared his throat and tried his best to look as concerned and affected as possible. "I take it you knew him well, then?" he asked, waving his hand in the direction the youth had taken off in. "If not, there's no need to be so concerned for him. He looked a grown enough man, he can live and die by his own decisions and choices," he continued with a huff.

"Shall we be on our way?" he asked shortly, unsure why he was taking his irritation out on her even as his reasoning assured him she was not to blame for this. Moving quickly to her side, he motioned to the horse and moved to try and help her back up into the saddle even as he knew she was fully capable of doing it herself.

Ladybird sighed in exasperation and shook her head. "He's a little younger than my little sister. I've known him since he was a baby. I would hate to see him get in trouble; he is an otherwise very respectable young man you see. Hopefully tonight was enough to scare them both off their antics, at least until they find other ones," she amended, rolling her eyes at the idea.

Just now realizing how she was being herded back to Sabra, Ladybird gently slapped away the hands that were trying to assist her. "I can do this myself thank you. No need to concern yourself, I'm not a helpless wallflower." Unconsciously she shuddered at the term. She hated it more than any other name as it was often used in reference to her followed by laughter that her profession dealt with flowers as well.

"If you want to return home, I understand. I have a desire to visit his mother and ensure he actually made it home and isn't trying to get into more trouble. His actions tonight worry me and that kick I gave him was a bit more forceful than perhaps he deserved." Ladybird blushed as she tried to hide her face a bit in Sabra's mane, her fingers idly rubbing soothingly up and down the slender neck of the mare.

Akakios frowned and muttered to himself at her dismissal. "I wasn't trying to call you helpless or a wallflower," he protested quietly, waving it off in irritation and slight embarrassment as he turned to mount up once more. It seemed proof enough in his eyes that she was generally quite ungrateful and unappreciative of any kindness extended to her, and he wanted to remember it that way for the future. Not that he expected anything particularly great of some pleasure woman.

"I'll remain with you," he decided, quite irritated at the interruption and her rejection still. "He deserved every bit of it for his rudeness and trespassing," he told her bitterly as he nudged his horse forward. "Though I don't know why you're concerning yourself with him further. He startled the horses, he got hurt. That's his own fault."

Her lips pursed tightly as she mounted up and listened to Akakios' bitter commentary. Sitting up straight in the saddle she finally turned her head to address him. "His mother happens to be one of my clients and was one of my father's before me. I cannot help but feel some responsibility given my part in these events even if it was not my fault he got himself into trouble. Looking after his well-being ensures against the lost of a client but also it is a common courtesy. Have you no compassion that you would not call upon a sick friend to see how they fare?"

Still irritated, Akakios watched her from the corner of his eye as she spoke. "Well, I suppose I understand your concern if it keeps your business thriving. Of course I would call upon any friend I knew to be ill, but I would not make it my business to ensure their safety and wellbeing if it is not necessary for me to do so, if I have no debt or responsibility to them.

"I suppose I don't see what responsibility you have to him other than care of the relationship... Though even that seems like something unworthy of pursuing with his foolishness. Where exactly do they live, then, just in town? Or further?"

"Well I feel responsible she informed him emotionally. "And it's not just because of my business though I suppose that would be something you would understand. They are people that I know, people whose lives I have touched and been touched by. I care about them. I always will."

Ladybird held a concerned look upon her face as she tried to wrap her head around why he could not understand her feelings. "They live in town," she replied tiredly. "I would be much obliged if you would allow me to check on them. I'll go on foot if you wish to not tire out Sabra. You have been quite generous in allowing me her to ride tonight."

"I see," he finally sighed, feeling as though he could understand the principle behind her reasoning even though he felt he would not personally make the same choice. Her request was simple enough, but somehow it irritated him more than the clear disruption they'd just had. "We can go, but I'm starting to feel as though this trip was a waste," Akakios admitted.

"By the time we reach your relatives' home it might already be sunrise. Are you sure you don't just want to check on them some time tomorrow? Perhaps before we head back? It isn't a concern for Sabra, she needs the exercise, but more it's a disruption of our plans..."

She bit her tongue to keep from saying the first angry thought that came to mind. Taking a deep breath she cautiously chose her following words. "It is not necessary that you come with me Akakios. I understand your desire to come with me however, I can take care of myself and your property. I would never do Sabra any harm. I just," Ladybird paused to lick her lips and rephrase what she was saying.

"I really feel that I need to do this. It is very important to me and I sorry that it is such a great inconvenience to you. Honestly the only plans I had for tonight were retiring for the night and then getting back up come morning to continue our meeting as was your wish."

"I trust you wouldn't harm her, but I will not be letting you out of my sight," he told her plainly. "I will keep my distance, if you wish, but I will be going along so I at least know where you've gone off to. It's hardly fair to have me waiting around in the dark for you to go do as you please after you all but dragged me from the comfort of my own home." It was far from true, he knew, but he felt it needed to be said and a point made.

"I don't want to prevent you, so feel free to go. I will simply follow."

"I did no such thing!" she squawked back, appalled that he would accuse her of such a falsehood. "If you may recall you insisted on coming with me even after I profusely protested the need. I still do not think it necessary that you come especially given the late hour I am not so sure how well my family will be at receiving an unexpected guest. Family is one thing but a guest is completely different. If you are so intent on not being dragged any further from your home then you can take Sabra back with you and I will travel on foot. I do not have to deal with your attitude just for the sake of sparing my feet the travel. They are quite accustomed to the journey and I will do it myself if I must!"

"Fine, if that's how you remember it. I'm going along and that's final," he insisted, unhappy about the way this was going all thanks to a couple of brats startling the horses. "I don't really care what your family thinks about it, but I'm still going with you. I wasn't complaining, just pointing it out," he grumbled, ready to just let the argument die for the sake of some relative peace between them. "I'm happy to go along, it's not like it's keeping me from anything."

Ladybird tried not to argue further but internally she was steaming with rage that he would treat her in such a way. He was basically calling her a liar and it hurt when she knew they both remembered the truth correctly. But his last statement made it so she could not let the argument die.

"If it really isn't keeping you from anything then why are you even complaining in the first place and giving me such a hard time?" She nearing tears in her frustration and her voice warbled and cracked as she fought against the growing frog in her throat.

"Why do you hate me so much that you oppose me at every turn for the littlest things. I cannot go home. I cannot have my fam-ily pet back. I'm an inconvenience because you decide you want to come with me but I am not allowed to travel on my own. You don't believe me when I tell you the truth and you demean me because I live a different life than you. What have I done in what lifetime to deserve this? I am a good an honest woman," she cried, feeling the icy tears break their growing walls and race down her cheeks. "How have I wronged you Akakios Reolaras?"

"Well, because it is going to take some time, even if it isn't being taken from something else, I still don't like wasting time on things that don't concern me," he tried to explain. "Though if it's important to you I don't mind going, so it's fine, I was just saying it wouldn't be my first choice, I wasn't intentionally trying to give you a hard time."

As she continued, though, he realized that she'd begun to cry. It sent him into a quiet panic that it was entirely out of his control. "Petal, you haven't 'wronged' me, perse, don't worry," he tried to soothe, hoping this wouldn't spiral out of reach and he might be able to talk her down a bit. "I don't understand why you think I'm trying to prevent you from doing anything... I actually insisted that we go to your home but you were the one who wanted to go somewhere closer, remember? I gave your pet back, too.

"I wouldn't mind you traveling alone if I was certain you would come back, but I don't see how you can blame me for being wary when I hardly know you and I feel like you, whether you know it or not, may have some extremely important information to me. I would prefer not to have you too far away until this has been...resolved. And I didn't mean to demean you," he sighed, slowing his horse a bit so that he could look at her more comfortably. "I hold a different opinion about some things, but I didn't mean at all that you are wrong for what you do. I don't hate you. Do you understand?"

While she tried to get a hold over her emotions she simply could not manage it. Between the late hour, her own exhaustion and frustration, as well as the entire situation it all had become too much for her. She was overwhelmed and had no way of stopping herself from continuing to cry.

Even Fern who had woken long enough to try and nuzzle her chin had done nothing to calm her frazzled nerves. "But I've told you everything," she protested weakly. "I met Toren only this week otherwise I've never even heard of him before. I didn't even know of his relation to you until he got into an argument with Agehneim in my barn while I was trying to treat your injured mare. I don't know what business he even was doing for you and I honestly don't care. I just want to go about my business and not have to deal with this anymore. I'm going to lose an entire day of business tomorrow along with a full night of sleep because of this on top of the fact I still won't have done any of my preparatory work tonight because I won't even be going home. I don't know what more truth you want from me when I've said everything that I know and answered every one of your questions and still you insist on continuing this."

Her words became nonsensical as she started hiccuping and fighting to loudly sob. Her hands came up to hide her face as she pressed the heels of her palms into her eyes as if to force the tears from flowing. "If I haven't done anything wrong then why do you treat me as if I have?"

Seeing how stressed she seemed about it all left him taken aback as he stared helplessly at the tears upon her cheeks. This wasn't at all how he'd expected things to go and it left him equally frustrated and guilty for being a contributing factor to these problems no matter his opinions on them. "Alright fine," he sighed, stopping his horse and turning him around entirely. "Go do whatever it is you're going to do. Please take Sabra, you'll get there faster.

"Return to me within a week's time after you've gotten your...commitments sorted out. Then we'll talk. I'm going to trust you so that we can discuss my concerns civilly and calmly where I might be able to better express them to you. Does that sound fair?"

"Thank you," she croaked weakly, still furiously wiping at her eyes. "You are too kind, Akakios. That is very fair. I give you my word that I will return as soon as I can within the week and with Sabra in as good of condition as you left her in."

Ladybird sniffled as her tears began to slow. "I'm sorry I let my emotions get the better of me. It has been a very trying night. I hope that we both can move forward at our next meeting and leave this outburst and any other ill feelings behind us."

"Alright," he sighed, patting his horse as he tried not to stare at her crying to give her some privacy. "There's no need to apologize. I want you to feel at your best when we next speak. And...yes, I would like to set aside any ill feelings we may harbor," he agreed. "So we can talk on even ground.

"Thank you for understanding. I...hope you feel better soon. I suppose I'll see you sometime soon. Have a good night," he bid her.

"Thank you," she breathed softly. "You have a good night as well Akakios. Until we meet again," she bid, bowing her head respectfully. For a moment she paused to collect herself, expecting him to go first. When he did not appear to be in a hurry to do so she decided to do so instead.

Ladybird gave Sabra a nervous pat before gently urging her forward on the road back to town. She allowed herself to relax and zone out for much of the journey back into town as the soothing motion of riding a horse calmed her frazzled nerves. When she at last could see the torches ablaze she dismounted and led the beautiful mare to her own stable and began the task of caring for her. The matter with Goddfrey would wait until she could ensure that the mare who had borne her was perfectly content for the night.

Only once Sabra was taken care of and fed did Ladybird begin to care for the other animals under her care that were not visitors such as her own horse, Butterscotch. She did not hurry through her chores though she was eager to check on the boy and his mother. The woman took her responsibilities to others quite seriously and would not allow herself to be swayed into ignoring them any longer that night.

Finally, she ventured back out into the night, winding her through the streets until she came to the Marshalton household. Nearly an hour later she was at last able to leave again, completely assured that Goddfrey would not only be alright but would be doing some volunteer work in Ladybird's shop to make up for the scare and any possible damage he may have caused.

Exhausted and emotionally drained, Ladybird was incredibly relieved to collapse into her bed the moment she was home. It did not even matter to her that she was not in her nightclothes or that Fern protested quite vocally at being woken up and disturbed. Clutching her pillow firmly, she attempted to fall asleep. But, of course it was not meant to be. When she was at last bone-weary her mind decided that it was the perfect time to analyze all that she had been through.

Had it really only been that morning that Agehneim had bruised, her body and pride? It seemed so long ago. Had she really argued with a notoriously reclusive nobleman? Was that really one of his prized mares within her stables? Was this all a dream?

On and on her mind swirled with these thoughts until the new dawn came and she was still awake, forced into facing the new day.

Watching her disappear down the road before he began to head back home, Akakios couldn't help but feel that he was either making a very smart decision or a very poor one in letting her go. He was anxious about letting her leave with Sabra, especially, for he was certain if she intended to flee the kingdom she very well could off of the sale of his horse and hardly leave a trace. He couldn't deny, though, that he still had his connections. Agehneim could keep an eye out for her at least, and he was certain he would be informed if she did try to leave. Even better, he was sure he would also be able to tell him where to find those family members of hers if things got ugly.

For once he would need to be patient and wait for someone else to make their move, to return to him on their own. Perhaps in her absence he could get something more out of Toren, but he had a sinking feeling that his suspicions about this whole ordeal would really ride upon her cooperation. Already he felt stupid for giving her a week, a whole week to return to him.

Once he'd arrived back at his home again it was quickly apparent that the rest in his household had been anxiously awaiting his return or another glimpse of the mystery woman. He was certain he saw more than just a few pairs of eyes in the windows as he returned his horse to the stables. His mind full of questions, Akakios could only return to his study to write them down amidst his continued work. Toren would have to be dealt with once he was healthy enough to even face him. At sunrise he wanted no part of sleep and turned away every knock at his door as he buried himself in his work as a means of distracting himself, a pattern that continued for the next several days and left the usually sharply dressed and groomed master with a decidedly haggard look.

The days passed quickly in a mindless blur for Ladybird. Goddfrey kept his end of the deal and helped her with some of the manual labor around the shop while she took care of other matters. She would have completely forgotten about her deal with Akakios had it not been for the presence of Sabra within her stable.

Everyday Ladybird herself brushed and groomed the mare while letting Goddfrey care for Butterscotch, the feedings, and the mucking of the stalls. Sabra was the constant reminder that there was a promise to be kept. The young woman felt guilty for some of her behavior towards the nobleman even if he did deserve to be put in his place a bit, she did not need to lose her temper or meltdown quite so embarrassingly.

Her biggest excuse for not having gone to see him yet was that she did not know how give him a peace offering that he would not find insulting. After all, what did one buy the man who can afford anything? She certainly did not know. Ladybird had every intention of bringing some salves for his injured mare as well as making Sabra look her best, yet she still felt that she should do something more. She had behaved very badly in her mind and that needed to be fixed.

By the time she had come to a decision as to what could possibly be passable as an apology it was close to Akakios' mandated deadline. She rose early the morning she had decided would be the one she returned to the nobleman's home and began the task of readying both her own horse as well beautifying Sabra. The mare patiently allowed her tail and mane to be braided in waterfall braids that made her look much like a princess in Ladybird's mind. Her coat gleamed from a thorough brushing and she had been given a sugar cube as a treat before Ladybird set off astride Butterscotch with the mare loosely tethered to the saddlehorn.

She finally arrived by mid-morning, praying that she was not too late as to incite his anger nor too early as to waken him. Ladybird went straight to the stable where she carefully let Sabra into her stall, waving off anyone that attempted to help her with either horse or their tack. Then, once that was taken care of she busied herself with greeting the healing mare and treating her wounded leg with more salve that she had brought along. Ladybird became so focused in her work with the horses that she had completely forgotten her reason for coming.

When not attending to his work, Akakios passed the time assembling his arguments for when Petal returned, or at least what he thought might be points he would need to bring up with her. He crafted a picture in his head for how their exchanges would ideally go. She would swiftly return, apologize, and then he could move on from the unusual problem plaguing his thoughts. Yet, every day that passed without her presence concerned him further and left him anxiously awaiting whenever she might decide to drop in. As the end of the week following their initial meeting drew closer, however, he became a nervous wreck of uncertainty.

Would she come at all? What might she have to say after so much time? Was she planning some scheme to blackmail him? He at least would eventually recover his property as the mare was branded, but he had no idea what sort of condition she might be returned to him in.

She was still within the time frame he had requested her to return in, but it was now what he would have considered to be the final day and he was becoming quite restless as his plan was unraveling in his mind. The past several days he'd even been refusing to feed properly with the time passing so painfully slow.

If nothing else he'd expected her to announce her return at his doorstep so he was very surprised when a couple of his stable hands scrambled into his study to tell him that Petal had returned and had brought some extra horse along and was down at the stables instead of in the parlor as he'd thought she might be. Hurrying downstairs and out into the morning sun, the vampire all but ran out to the stables.

There was no immediate signs of Petal, but he hurried to Sabra's stall and was pleasantly surprised at the calm and well-groomed horse he faced across the door. Puzzled, he began walking down the aisle to peer into each of the stalls before he finally caught sight of her and stood frozen and staring.

He had no idea why she was tending to the pony mare, but he leaned against the door and rocked anxiously on his heels as he stared at her. "Welcome back," he muttered, glancing down at the line of heads poking out of the stalls to eye him. "Sabra looks well," he said, not wanting her efforts to go unnoticed.

"...Is there a reason you won't come inside?" he asked, puzzled and unaware that the young stable hands had very much embellished the events of her arrival.

Ladybird startled slightly, as she was surprised by Akakios' presence. Her hands though remained steady as she finished re-wrapping the pony's bandages. "Good morning!" she greeted cheerfully, getting to her feet and patting the horse as she exited the stall. "I wanted to check on her before I came in. I brought more salve for leg," her hands lifted the medium-sized jar up for him to see. "I hope you don't mind."

A head from the next stall butted into her shoulder, causing her to turn and glare. "You behave!" The slight woman told the horse. "After all your showing off in front of Sabra you still beg like a pony for attention, Butterscotch." The horse nickered and rubbed his nice against her cheek causing her to laugh and shake her head. "Here you big baby," she relented, handing him a piece of apple. "Now no more!" The other half she gave to the pony.

When she turned back and remembered that Akakios was standing there she blushed darkly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you waiting. I hope you can forgive me for wasting your time, I brought something for you too." Ladybird reached into her pocket and pulled out a small satchel which she then held out for him to take.

"Ah." He watched as she finished up with bandaging the pony and scolded who he could only assume was her own horse as knew it was not his own. The name Butterscotch confirmed that, as he did remember what she'd called him when they'd last spoken.

Backing away from the door a bit to give her some space, he wasn't quite sure what to say now that he knew she was not trying to avoid him or be belligerent. He'd expected, after how much time had passed, that she might be bitter but she really seemed quite the opposite with how helpful she seemed to be with his horses.

"No, you haven't wasted my time," he assured her. "I wouldn't have even worried unless you made no contact in a month's time, really," he lied, not wanting her to think he'd been worried about it. Her offering surprised him, though. It was certainly the last thing he'd expected of her from their parting.

Reaching out to take it from her and hold it loosely in his hand, the vampire weighed it with uncertainty as to whether he should open it immediately or not. "Thank you," he told her with a slight bow of his head. "You certainly didn't have to bring me anything you know. And you didn't need to tend to her," he said, gesturing to the pony. "I have other people who can do that... Did you bring that snake again?" he wondered, though he was sure her own horse in his stables was collateral enough.

"I behaved somewhat poorly last we met and I wanted to make up for it. I know it is not much to give but I hope it can help make up for some of the trouble I have caused you." She debated telling him what it was, completely unsure if he would recognize the extremely rare plant bark and berries she had gifted him. They were something she had had to procure personally from a temple deep within the tundra wastelands as few dared to make the journey and those did were against selling their product unless it be for an arm and a leg.

"It was no trouble to check on her though," she continued, nodding towards the pony. "I wanted to. Besides I said when we last met that I would and I intended to keep my word as I am not one to break it."

As she talked Fern popped out from underneath one of her rolled up sleeves, a wide open-mouthed "grin" displaying his pleasure at being asked after. Loudly he greeted Akakios back in a series of hisses while wriggling his head back and forth.

Well, at least this was going according to his plan. That she would apologize and acknowledge her past wrongs and make a peace offering... He thought it showed her humbleness well enough, and he certainly approved of it. "Well...thank you," he said again as he carefully loosened the tie on the small parcel to look inside. While he recognized the bark and berries as unusual he knew he would need to ask her to explain them later as he certainly was no expert in plants as she was.

"That's true. I suppose I can understand your concern, but from now on it won't be necessary. I can hardly expect a guest to take care of my livestock," he pointed out before his eyes were drawn to the movements by her arm. Noticing the hissing little creature, Akakios smirked. "There he is," he remarked as he reached out to run a finger along his scales.

Fern hissed happily, tilting his head to enjoy the petting and closing his eyes in pleasure. "He really likes you," commented Ladybird as she stared down in amused surprise at her familiar. "He usually spends most of his time sleeping or complaining about having his sleep disturbed. Silly snake," she chuckled with a shake of her head.

Ladybird straightened up to address Akakios properly, a small smile still lighting up her face and a very business-like tone in her voice. "Shall we proceed then or is there something else you needed of me?"

Akakios smirked at the idea of her pet liking him when she'd been so against him the last time they'd met. There was something she said, though, that caught him quite off guard. "Yes," he chirped, happy to finally be on with the "plan."

"Come with me," he insisted, turning to leave the barn and head back towards his home after giving her snake a final pet. "So why do you think he complains so much? Do snakes really sleep that much?" he wondered, trying not to let her know that he thought it was highly unusual to be talking about a snake's issues in life.

She hurried to follow him, making sure to keep a secure on Fern should he suddenly decide to drop off her wrist as he was known to try at times. The last thing she needed was him getting hurt here or being stolen from her again by Akakios. She still had not forgotten nor quite forgiven him for doing that.

"I can't say that I really know whether that is normal or not. Honestly I think he just enjoys complaining. Fern has one of those crotchety-old man personalities. It's too loud. It's too quiet. It's too warm. It's too cold. He can never make up his mind."

Fern grumpily protested, his tongue flickering quickly as he made a series of angry hisses up towards Ladybird. His eyes squinted beadily up at her as if to intimidate her but only served in making her chuckle.

"A snake with personality," he mused as they reached the steps. "Seems like a nice pet to have, I suppose, but how did that come to be?" he asked with a wave of his hand. "Is he enchanted or something like that? Or transformed, perhaps?"

Ladybird found herself choosing her next words carefully. She realized perhaps too late that she may have already said far too much about her "pet" and his capabilities. "He is neither enchanted nor transformed. He's simply Fern, a little snake that I found in my garden one day and has stuck around with me ever since.

"Do you have any pets, Akakios?" she tried, hoping to bring the topic away from her familiar and to something else instead.

"I see... That's still quite strange," he told her as he opened the front door for them. For now he was thrown off the trail by her distraction. "Pets? Well, I have animals that live here. Dogs in the yard, horses in the barn, obviously. I have no pets that stay within my home, though, no. Not right now, at least. It's too difficult to keep the place up with them around, I think.

"I've had many pets before, though, just none at the moment," he explained. "Never a snake before. Is he a good pet for you?"

"He is not a bad pet, no. He is special though, but that's Fern for you," she said laughing off the comment. "I can't say that a snake would be my first choice as a pet, Fern is more of an exception than a rule in my household. Not many people take kindly to being so close to snake you see. He usually keeps himself hidden if he stays in the shop while I'm working. I find it bad business to scary the living daylights out of your customers if you know what mean."

"It isn't always a bad thing if they need a scare... But have you done that before? Scare them? He's such a small creature, I can't imagine he would cause too much trouble," he admitted as he led them up the stairs where they might be able to speak in greater privacy in the same study as before.

"What would be your first choice of pet? Or do you just love all animals?" he guessed, hoping to fish some useful information out of her. "Or does your lifestyle not provide for having some of the things you want?" he guessed, trying to sound as sympathetic as possible as he glanced at her.

Ladybird looked over at the man beside her in shock. "Why would my clients need a scare? I'm breaking any laws or have any need to keep them in line," she chuckled nervously. "I don't have anyone that works for me either for that matter. But, to answer your question, yes."

She sighed and shook her head at the memory. "I didn't do it on purpose but you know how some women can be. They are such flighty creatures of habit that the first sign of spider, mouse, or snake will have them climbing the walls to get away. Frankly I don't understand it. Such tiny creatures are more afraid of us than we ever could be of them and yet some of us scream like banshees at the mere idea of their close presence. It's ridiculous if you ask me.

"Not that you were asking, of course," she added quietly, her face flushing slightly at having been so opinionated in front of the nobleman. Ladybird was still having trouble grasping how to act around him given both his elevated status and the situation that had caused them both need to meet.

"Honestly though I am just an animal lover in general. My home is always open to any little or large visitor that is in need of a dry roof and a warm fire for the night. My only rules really are not fighting or you go outside and you take care of your own meals and mess outside of the house unless you're incapable due to injury. The only animal that I specifically and consistently care for is Butterscotch. The rest of the animals fend for themselves."

Again she gave him an odd look, not so sure what he may have been implying about her lifestyle, yet unwilling to comment on his borderline improper questions.

He tried his best not to laugh at her story of flighty women. It really was exactly as he'd often seen; some small creature like a spider or mouse made an appearance and they acted as though they were being stabbed by their proximity. He did find it odd, though, that she seemed so hesitant about sharing with him. He wasn't quite sure how to even make out the looks she was giving him.

"You have a giving heart," he finally judged as he took his seat at his desk, neatly folding his legs beneath it along the way as he mentally filed away anything he deemed important from what she'd told him. "To be honest, Petal, I'd like us to be entirely open with each other," he told her, trying to change the subject now that he'd gotten her talking a bit. "Get comfortable, please. Have a seat.

"I feel you may have some things that are very important to me. Not physically, of course, but information, as I know I've mentioned. I don't really know what you would want from me in return, but I could certainly offer you most anything if you'd only say the word." Akakios hoped she might bend to a bribe instead, since pure accusation hadn't worked for him before. He fiddled with the satchel in his hand for a bit before setting it down atop his desk while purposefully avoiding eye contact. "And I would be willing to forgive and forget our incidents last week."

She thanked him with a smile as she took a seat and brushed her skirts into place. "I will of course try to help you in any way that I can. I don't know how much help I may be though but I will at least try for what it's worth. Helping you with your situation would be enough repayment for me. I am not in need of anything but thank you."

Ladybird offered him a smile as her eyes fell to where his hands played with the precious satchel she had given. She suspected he did not realize its true worth or he would not be so relaxed with it. 'Then again,' she admitted to herself, 'he very well may know what it is and doesn't care so much given the amount of money he has in his possession. I was a fool to think he would not already possess it.'

The woman blushed to hear him speak of their past encounter. She certainly hoped that could be placed behind them given the amount of ire it had raised. Ladybird wanted nothing to do with fighting with him and was very much prepared to be as cooperative as she could in order to get this whole affair settled as smoothly and quickly as humanely possible.

Once she confirmed her willingness to help he lifted his head to watch her closely instead. Her answer puzzled him, though, and made him wonder about her. He assumed it was just politeness keeping her from accepting it, but he was determined to keep trying and insisting. "That's very kind and thoughtful of you, but I'm sure I will find a way to repay the favor," he promised, his tone definitive instead of hopeful.

Gently setting aside the satchel, Akakios leaned over to open the small drawer that contained what few items of evidence he had and pulled out the partially crumpled, dirty letter that Toren had returned to him before and set it out on the desk with the open side facing down. "Now, have you ever seen that before?" he asked bluntly.

"Whatever you think is best then," she amended, bowing her head respectfully. The last thing that Ladybird wanted to do was argue with him over something as simple as repayment and cause him to be insulted. She had been completely honest when she said simply helping he was enough and she was going to stand by that no matter what.

For a moment she simply stared at the paper in his hand, unconsciously raising a brow as she tried to understand the importance of the crumbled parchment. "It's a piece of paper," the woman informed him, switching her gaze from it to him. "I am afraid that I cannot say whether or not I have seen that particular sheet before with complete certainty. If you would be willing to allow it though, a closer look might help me recognize it if I am meant to."

Akakios frowned slightly as he wondered if she was being sincere or just playing games with him. After a very long, silent pause of hesitation he sighed and pushed the parchment closer to her across the desk. "I would prefer if you didn't open it and read the rest of it or anything," he told her, hoping what bit could be seen past the torn section of the envelope would be enough for her to identify it.

She gently picked it up off the table while nodding her head in agreement. "Of course." For a few moments she flipped the paper over in her hands, noting the mudsplatter and dried watermarks on it as well as a dainty little set of fingerprints.

What gave it away to her though were a set of words barely visible beneath a torn corner of the envelope. She vaguely remember seeing the same thing as she handed a dropped missive back to Toren upon their first meeting.

Ladybird placed it back on the table before addressing Akakios once more. "Yes I do believe I have seen this before. If I am not mistaken I handed it back to Toren after I had seen it fall from his satchel. I did not think he would have been happy to find he had lost it."

His dark eyes narrowed as he anxiously observed her looking it over. It calmed his nerves a bit when she set it back down, but he only furrowed his brow deeper at her answer. He already knew he'd been lied to by his slave, but it was quite telling that she was willing to provide such information; it made him question the whole idea of some conspiracy they might have had together.

"I see. I suppose I may have overreacted to what Agehneim told me about you. It certainly wasn't a fair judgment," he told her, trying so hard to relax his expression alongside his hope that softened words might encourage truthfulness. "Did you read it at all?" he asked gently in the trained voice of false-sympathy he adopted with his slaves.

"I did not read it," she calmly replied. "However, I did notice some of the words as I was handing it back to Toren. It was torn already when I had found it in the mud. I hope you do not believe that I would try and pry through your correspondence Akakios. Your privacy is your own and I have no desire to intrude upon it."

Ladybird meant what she said but could not help feeling that he did not believe her and she would be made to defend herself. Fern on the other hand, disagreed. He kept muttering how he did not understand why she was acting so flighty when the "scale-stroker," as he had begun calling Akakios, was simply trying to understand a series of events. There was nothing for her to worry about and he was adamant on the matter.

Akakios nodded, though he was hesitant to take her word as entirely true for now. "I appreciate that, and I'm glad you see the importance in privacy. Did Toren say anything to you when you gave it back to him? Anything at all? Did he mention anyone else?" he asked, sure that there must be some missing parts of the story between what he had heard from all parties thus far.

Ladybird's brow furrowed in though as she began to chew on her bottom lip. "I'm afraid I don't recall. He may have thanked me but we didn't really stay and chat. I was on my way home after my last delivery. I didn't want to bother a stranger other than to return something he had lost."

Unbidden some of the words she had re-seen from the letter danced before her eyes. She could not help but feel a bit unsettled as she considered the meaning behind the words. 'Perhaps the she is just a horse or animal he has sold. It's none of my business anyway. What reason do I have to worry? I have done no wrong here.'

"So, if I'm understanding correctly, your interactions with Toren have been returning the letter to him and tending to my mare, correct? Forgive me for asking again but I just would like some peace in a firm confirmation, but... There's been nothing else between the two of you? Not even meeting him before somehow? I really wouldn't be upset if that were the case, I just need to know everything that could have possibly gone on," he explained as he returned the marred envelope and letter to the drawer he'd retrieved it from.

He had no idea that she remembered any of the words within it and he didn't even suspect it now with her claim of wanting to preserve his privacy, especially of a personal correspondence. "And is there anything else about me you might know? Anyone tell you anything?"

"I have only see Toren three times in my entire life. The first was in the center of town, the second was when I attended to your mare because I saw she was injured and could use help, and the final time was when he arrived at my door with Agehneim. If I had ever seen him before that it was only in passing and I have no recollection of doing so."

A look of disgust passed over her features briefly as she mentioned the apothecary's name. She had not forgotten is disgusting treatment of her person. "As I said last we met all I know about you are the gossip-monger's rumors in town and the facts you yourself have told me of your person. I am not one to engage in gossip if I can help it and I doubt you need me to repeat that," she told him with a true smile.

"Oh, wait! Your name was brought up in conversation between Agehneim and Toren in my barn when I was being harassed by the former. Nothing of consequence was really said other than you would be displeased by being made to wait."

Akakios nodded as she explained the timeline once more, noting her soured expression when speaking of his apothecary friend. "I see," he finally breathed, smiling a bit as well. "He knows my patience well, but I am sorry that he seems to have harassed you so, and on your own property at that." The vampire was beginning to relax now that he felt she wasn't some little snake trying to wiggle her way into his affairs or get anything from him in terms of blackmail. Her eagerness to share everything he'd asked for so far today made him feel much more comfortable about the truth and integrity of her story.

"I can appreciate your lack of 'gossip', but would you mind sharing the rumors you have heard?" he asked with a chuckle. "I'm honestly quite curious what people say of me, because I can assure you most have not even met me before," he explained.

Ladybird blushes and shook her head slightly. "You must forgive me I cannot relate them as they should be and having met you I have to say many are false. I, I am afraid I just do not feel right telling them." She giggled softly, trying to hide her face in her hands.

"I could recommend some people if you like," she said between her hands, starting to laugh in earnest. "I'm sorry, that isn't very nice but," her voice trailed off into hysterical laughter at the idea of calmly talking over the rumors she had heard told about him. It was just too surreal for words.

The sudden giggling and laughter surprised him and, taken aback, he looked off to the side as he waited for her to explain but was only disappointed and frustrated with her refusal.

"If you've the time to be laughing about them right in front of me, I'd appreciate you sharing what you know," he told her coldly, defenses beginning to form about her all over again even as he knew nothing of what she found funny. He could only assume whatever she heard poked fun at him. "I would not be offended to hear what others have said of me, I would not consider any of it your personal opinion," he tried to encourage her.

"You must forgive me, Lord Reolaras," she stated, trying to regain control of her laughter. "I meant no offense it's just that you have to see just how strange it must seem to talk to someone about the fantastical rumors there are about them.

"I mean some of them are just so far out there it's comical." Realizing that he was not amused by her plight, she swallowed dryly before beginning to rattle the various rumors she had heard concerning him. "They say you are a participant in heathen rituals on nights of the full moon, that you string up the bones of trespassers in your trees that when the wind howls it sounds like the moans of a thousand tormented souls."

She raised an amused brow before continuing. "Others claim this manor is haunted and that should one have the courage to spend the night close enough they will hear the banshee screams of tortured souls that have died within your halls. Still more speculate your reclusive nature is to be attributed to either a hideous visage due to childhood illness or incident or to the fact that your inclinations lie more with-must I really continue?" she asked, breaking off her statement, her face a dark scarlet as she squirmed in her seat.

I'm sure they don't hold any merit."

He leaned back in his chair as she finally began to tell him what she knew. What he heard confused him, though. "As if I would waste so much time to go through that sort of trouble," he said with a shake of his head and slight smile about the full moon rumor.

As she continued, he began to understand what she meant by them being fantastical, far out, and random. "Oh, please do," he encouraged, shaking his head with a smile. "I'm sure they don't either, but they're amusing. It seems I've tortured a lot of souls in my time," he joked, chuckling.

"Well," she continued, with an almost permanent blush now, "they say you have inclinations towards your own gender which is why you are never seen with an eligible lady." Ladybird could not even dare to look him in the eye after mentioning that one.

"There is talk that you are a rare fish collector and go to extreme efforts to obtain the rarest and most precious species around the world. Others say you are a demon trapped within this place and forbidden from ever leaving while still more say that you are a ghost yourself who has but one purpose on this earth left to fulfill before you too may depart in peace.

"Now you really must forgive me, Akakios," she excused herself. "But I am afraid while there are many more they follow these same veins. I could go on for hours and I dare not waste our time. Surely there are other questions you had for me?"

"My, my. Those are quite ridiculous," he chuckled, shaking his head as gave an amused sigh. While some of them definitely had partial truth to them, he wasn't going to admit that to her, especially when they might seem quite offensive about himself or give the wrong impression about his preferences.

"We may stop there, it's alright. I'm sure I've heard quite enough of that for now and I certainly don't wish to make you feel uncomfortable relaying them," he assured her. "And of course, many more questions, if you'll forgive the intrusions.

"I hate to ask, as you seem so uncomfortable speaking of him, but what sort of history do you have with our shared acquaintance Agehneim?"

Ladybird instantly stiffened at the cursed name Akakios had uttered. "Agehneim is my client and has been for many years. Outside of that he has been extremely unprofessional to me and downright degrading at times in front of my other customers. I find him despite his expertise and skill in his work to be vulgar, greedy, and lascivious. He is a womanizer and a drunk. I honestly try to limit my interactions with him to be has brief as possible. If he didn't consistently pay good money in advance for his purchases I would refrain from doing business with him at all and he knows that."

Akakios nodded as he listened to her. It wasn't that he knew a different Agehneim, he just had nothing to add as she confirmed the sort of behavior he'd seen. Agehneim was resourceful and useful, but he had a nasty attitude if he wasn't checking himself for politeness around him. Akakios certainly knew the man was no shining example of fair businessman, let alone a good citizen, but he knew that he himself was not either. At least he was better at hiding those bad interactions, anything that might get him in trouble or give others a bad opinion of him.

"He's good on his word and his coin but not much else," he finally agreed, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Unfortunately the world cannot be without its colorful characters.

"Forgive me for putting it so bluntly, but is your business so close to drowning that you require his business to stay afloat?" he wondered.

"My business is not drowning," she declared defensively, sitting up straight in her chair. "I don't know where you got that impression from. But, I assure you my business turns a livable profit for not only myself but my family as well. I continue my business with him because he does bring in good business. However, he toes a thin line and we both know that. I am not above cutting him off should he push me too far," Ladybird bluffed, mentally wondering just how far was too far when he had already assaulted her within her own shop.

"Surely you can understand that. I would be quite shocked to find that there was not a single person you despised working with but continued to do so because of their knowledge in their specific field."

It surprised him how defensive she was about it, but it was entirely on her if she was willing to put up with the old man. "Well, I suppose I can see where you're coming from," he finally agreed. "And I meant no offense as to your profits. I do remember our last conversation about this.

"Personally..., I try not to rely upon any one person so much, even if they are an expert of their field. There is almost always someone else that could provide the same service or assistance, and I am not opposed to cutting off someone unhelpful or disagreeable for the next best or closest one." Akakios shrugged, not really understanding that someone else might not have that luxury.

"I can see the advantage of convenience, though, as he lives so close. If he ever caused me serious trouble I would have no issue with casting him off, though it might be a hassle with all that he handles for me... Does he do a great deal for you as well?"

Ladybird answered through tight lips of displeasure. "Currently he is supplying my sister with a remedy for illness. She is with child and suffers from extreme fatigue." It was obvious just how displeased she was to have to admit he was helpful but what she refrained from stating was how he was essentially blackmailing her into continuing business with him.

He would make threats about her sister's pregnancy but Ladybird was never sure whether he was bluffing or not. She knew from some of the things she provided him with were toxic enough to a pregnant woman and she hardly doubted that she was his only provider even if she was his main one.

"May I ask what my relationship with Agehneim has to do with anything though?"

"Apparently very much, as I'm sure you remember he's the one who brought you here. Though I did ask for you. I suppose he doesn't harbor much loyalty to you if he was so willing to 'turn you in' as it were. Are you quite certain he will continue to supply her with her remedy after these most recent events?

"I'm sure I might be able to connect you with someone more...stable. At least until everything is sorted out between you." Akakios was grasping at anything he could now to try and lure her in, to try to be as helpful as possible. He was quickly running out of ideas, but he was desperately suspicious of her even after their talks and certain details that he certainly believed to be true.

He fully intended to make a long-term arrangement of making her whereabouts his business; he had too much at stake and too much to lose if anything within that letter was leaked to certain parties. While Toren had allowed such a slip in the first place he certainly trusted his slave not to make such a grave mistake twice, especially with his unfaltering obedience except for the instances of late.

She was hesitant to accept his offer, unsure as to whether or not it was genuine or simply given out of politeness. She finally decided to accept it. It would not hurt to do so and at worse he did not make good on it and she would still be stuck with the foul apothecary.

"Thank you, Akakios. I would like that very much if it's not too much trouble for you. I would hate to make more work for you. I know you're a busy man," she said genuinely meaning it. Ladybird was finding a modicum of respect for the nobleman even if he infuriated her with his assumptions, from what she could tell, and that was not much at this point, he at least seemed to have a firm understanding of the politics of business if his accumulation of wealth was a good indicator.

Finally it was there, that first sign of her opening up to him, if only for a desire to distance herself from Agehneim. He would still consider it a fair victory, and a small smile finally appeared for her cooperation. "It's no trouble at all, really," he assured her, waving it off gently. "I'll ensure that he doesn't charge her or you for anything, as a favor to me.

"I'll write to him this afternoon, but he'll likely be several days as he is of Moonspear. Mr. Fletching, if you've heard anything of him," he told her as he pondered the possibility of luring her in further without suspicion. "Is your sister the one who lives close by, then?"

"Oh no!" she cried somewhat panicked as she leaned forward in her chair. "Really that's not necessary. My family is more than capable of paying him for his work. I would hate to cause you such trouble and it would not be fair to him to do this on charity. He has to make a living just like everyone else I'm sure, especially if he hails from Moonspear. That is quite a journey after all even if it is quite beautiful."

Ladybird smiled softly in reflection. She did love each of the different provinces for various reasons even if she had not been to all of them yet. However, she had been to Moonspear once before and had indeed fallen in love with the journey there and back because of all the exotic plants she had been able to find along the way.

"Pardon?" she queried not understanding the question. "All of my family lives close," the botanist continued, not understanding that his asking was concerning her only lie to him. Ladybird had completely forgotten in her panicked state that last evening how she had concocted that family lived close by to him. In her mind though town was close and that was enough for her, although that was not what he meant at all.

"Well, he owes me a favor and Agehneim giving you such trouble recently was my fault as I encouraged his behavior by even asking for you. Take it as a sign of good will, if you will. I certainly owe you much for your troubles," he insisted, though he furrowed his brow at her response about her family. Had she already forgotten what they had spoken of just a week earlier?

Waving a hand at the window to indicate the outdoors, Akakios continued, "The ones you were going to stay with last week? You told me you had family that lived very close to here. I was interested in meeting these neighbors of mine, so I'm curious of their relations to you. Is it not your sister? Perhaps your parents, then?"

Ladybird shook her head vigorously while trying to protest further. "Really Akakios, there is no need for you to take the blame on this. I highly doubt you would have told Agehneim to be so uncivil and," her lips pursed tightly as she recalled his overly-familiar man-handling of her person, "discourteous."

Her mouth formed an "o" as she remembered her little lie from earlier in the week. "Oh yes, my family. Well to be honest all of them live rather close however I was talking about my mother and father." Ladybird's cheeks blushed with fiery warmth at having to continue that half-lie. In her mind at least her family did live close. A day's walk surely was not too far, even for her. It could not matter that much that she was stretching the truth just a bit. Hopefully he would be understanding enough.

"Oh, I'm not taking the blame for him," he insisted, chuckling at the very notion. "But I do apologize for sending him your way. If I had known he would be so...rude and savage I would have simply called upon you myself. That's nice to know, though," he murmured, nodding as he hoped he would remember that her parents lived close when he might need that information later.

"Would you be kind enough to introduce me to them? I really would hate to not be on good terms with my neighbors," he reminded her, though a groaning in his stomach interrupted him, catching him off guard and looking thoroughly startled by it. Glancing down as his cheeks flushed slightly, Akakios cleared his throat before continuing. "But perhaps not until after..." he glanced out the window to discern what time it was and, thus, what meal he should be calling it, "lunch! Lunch. After lunch. Have you eaten yet? I assume not if you've been traveling all morning."

The shopkeeper was surprised to hear that he wanted to meet her family and in part it made her feel even more nervous. What would her parents say? What would the gossipers say? She would never hear the end of it, of that Ladybird was sure.

"Have you met everyone else in town then?" she asked giggling softly. "I mean that's an awful lot of neighbors to get to know, especially when I'm sure more than a few would want to be in the favor of a well-established Lord such as yourself."

Her words were light-hearted and she certainly hoped they could breeze past this without further incident. Ladybird however was just as surprised by the sound coming from Akakios as he was. She blushed some more, lowering her gaze as if she had caught something embarrassing.

"Oh! No I wouldn't want to trouble you, really. If you want to break though so you can eat I wouldn't be offended. I'm not really hungry myself," she commented moments before her own stomach betrayed her much to her shock. Her eyes widened in surprise as she clasped a hand to her belly and blushed darkly.

He was a bit disappointed by what she said and very unsure of how he might convince her to spend more time with him, but her own stomach's growlings wiped that worry away. Giving her a pointed look and knowing smile he stood and gestured at the door as he stepped around his desk to be closer to her. "It's no trouble at all. It's the least I can do to thank you," he assured her, offering his hand.

Thinking back on her strange comments about town, though, he wondered aloud with a puzzled look, "Why do you mention town? You said you had family that lived close to here... I don't really consider town to be close, but...is that what you were referring to?"

Ladybird looked down embarrassed by her body making her out to be a liar even as she accepted the proffered hand and rose to her feet. "Thank you," she murmured before continuing in a more confident voice. "You do an awful lot to thank me for nothing though Akakios. All I have done is tell you the truth. If anything I have probably caused you more trouble than I'm worth between Agehneim and earlier this week. You behave as if you are the debtor when it is I who is indebt to you because of your kindness. This really isn't necessary."

She smiled warmly up at him. "Not, of course that I am ungrateful, I just feel that you should know that you've done more than enough." As she listened to his questions, Ladybird realized that she could work her way out of her small lie and settle things between them once and for all without him ever knowing.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, biting her lip. "Yes, I was actually. I just didn't deem it so far when it is but a day's walk from your front door to there and given how extensive your lands are, I wouldn't be surprised if your border is much closer to town than most realize. I hope you can forgive me for this misunderstanding on my part. I did not mean to concern you that you might be a poor neighbor."

Listening to her explanation as he walked her to the door and out into the hall, Akakios nodded. He wasn't sure why he hadn't thought of it before, but he supposed she was mostly correct in her thinking about his property. "It was just surprising," he assured her with a chuckle. "I wasn't sure if you were implying that they were closer than town, as my borders are fairly close to there, but I see your point now. There's nothing to forgive," he insisted.

Leading her to the dining room and beginning the long, slow walk towards the proper head of the table at the other end of the room, Akakios told her, "To be honest, there are very few people who are as honest and humble as you, Petal." He meant it truthfully, for he was certain he'd seen his fair share of scoundrels in his time. If she was one as well she'd already gotten him good with how convincing she'd been.

"You are worth just as much as anyone else, don't let yourself be fooled," he chuckled. "But I do appreciate your ability to recognize kindness in others, especially myself. I feel so...misunderstood at times. If you don't mind, though, I may just take you up on a favor to repay me someday. Nothing too terrible. Just something you are capable of providing that I cannot do for myself."

She bit her bottom lip and lowered her head in order to try and hide her near-constant blush. Ladybird could not believe she was being praised by a nobleman, especially by the incredibly reclusive and mysterious Akakios Reolaras. To hear him say though that he was misunderstood saddened her and so with the arm that was not linked with his own she patted his hand and gave it a small squeeze.

"People believe what they want and what they don't know they fill in with whatever lies suit their fancy. You should not worry about what others think of you. I believe for what it's worth that you are a good man. To hell what the others think, they are jealous," Ladybird informed him confidently as they walked alongside a large dinning table.

So engrossed in listening, she had nearly failed to notice just how large and extravagant things about her were. Where she came from things were warm and cozy whereas here everything made her feel incredibly small and out of place.

Distracted by her thoughts, Ladybird nearly missed the end of what Akakios was saying. His words though gave her slight pause, making her feel as if a ghost had walked over her grave. The wording was just shy of foreboding and gave her a sense of worry that perhaps she should flee while she had the chance. Brushing her feelings aside though, she simply smiled and nodded her head.

"I would be pleased to assist you although I doubt there is much I can do for you unless you're having some trouble with your garden. Even then though I'm sure your people are more than capable of handling things for you. Nevertheless, should you need me, I will do my best to assist."

Startled by the touching of their hands, he grew tense if only for a moment. It was surprise, not disgust that caused him to jump and, frankly just freeze momentarily as he had no idea how he should respond to something like that. Looking down at her as she spoke, he was puzzled as to why she would make such a familiar gesture even if this wasn't their first time meeting. "Perhaps I misjudged you," he murmured thoughtfully in his own way of apologizing. "You are wise beyond your years to recognize the petty jealousy in others. It is a shame a noble can be called evil and vile simply for offering aid to those less fortunate, but it is how the world is.

"I'm glad to hear you're so eager to be of help to me. Unfortunately most of my slave's talents lie in house duties, or with tending to my animals. Perhaps you could...brighten up the gardens. They look positively grey. And dead," he chuckled at himself, for he knew exactly what lied beneath them.

"I've neglected them, though I generally have no reason to plant anything there... So I let it go. But I certainly wouldn't mind a change. Could be refreshing to see something other than dry dirt out there," he mused as they finally reached the head of the table and he moved to pull out a chair for her.

Ladybird blushed and took her seat. She was surprised to hear him praise her, a simple woman and perhaps a silly one at that. "They are fools then," she admonished. "Who else could see a self-less deed as evil? Truly though I would be delighted to help with your gardens if you truly desire it. Of course I would have to see the land before I can come up with any landscape designs and then after that I would need your approval and hopefully your input in what you have in mind. In my lowly opinion gardens say a lot about the people who keep them."

Already her mind was awhirl with floral suggestions. She had meant what she said and wanted to make a garden to match the man currently hosting her. Beneath his groomed and calm exterior she sensed a wildness begging to be unleashed. It was a restlessness she had seen before and hoped that perhaps with her help it might be put at ease.

'A tamed wildness,' she mused. 'A sanctuary in every sense of the word. An interesting challenge this shall be. Oh do I hope he is serious about this!'

"Is there anything in particular you're hoping to create with this new look?"

"Splendid," he chuckled as he moved around the chair to stand beside her and amused by her enthusiasm. "I'm sure that they do, but I've never really been good at maintaining them, even with so many working for me. Perhaps you could give some suggestions or help with that as well. I haven't kept any slaves with skills in such things in quite a while.

"As for the look," he mused, tapping his fingers along his thigh as he walked around the table to the door connecting to the kitchen. There he gave two knocks before returning to the table and taking his seat. "I'm not really sure. I'm very interested in what you might be able to come up with. My only limitation really is color. I would rather not have a bunch of flowers that are going to stick out. Something that compliments the lands and the house more, even if there's more green than anything. But if you can persuade me, I'd be open to anything," he assured her with a smile. "But by all means if you'd like me to think of something just let me know."

She watched with some confusion as he knocked on a door before returning to sit beside her. Choosing to not comment though, Ladybird smiled and eagerly continued discussing the idea of assisting the nobleman with his garden. The idea of it being mostly green though caused her to shake her head. 'How like a man to say such a thing,' she internally sighed.

"A sea of green is fine and well in the winter perhaps where there is nothing but drab greys and sterile whites. But, the rest of the year I think a bit more life is required. If you're concerned though that since I'm a woman I would make everything pink and blindingly vibrant, you need not worry. A garden must suit its owner and you'll have to forgive me," she said with a light giggle, "but I hardly take you for a man who would be interested in such a girlish palette.

"The space you had in mind for me to work in is very crucial before I can make any definite plans but I do have some ideas of what may suit you. The key to a garden is to make it something that will be enjoyable year-round and not something where all the plants wither and die within a few months. No, what I think you need is a nice blend with a great deal of practicality. Would there be a specific purpose for this garden? I mean do you intend for it to be for private use or something for business use? Is it something personal or something to show off?"

"Then you've taken the first step towards understanding me," he chuckled, feeling a bit bad that she already figured out he'd made such an assumption about her. "I'll trust that you'll know what you're doing and what would be best.

"I think we should start with the courtyard. And it would mostly be for private use. Something pretty to look out at, I suppose. I would definitely like to be able to show it off as well when I have guests, so I suppose it would be important for it to not be bland. We'll take a look at it and see what you can think of, but now that I think about it, something grand would be nice for it, at least in my uneducated opinion," he chuckled at himself, glancing to the door as the cook quietly entered and set their dishes in front of them without a word before exiting as quickly as she'd come in.

He thought it was a shame he would not be able to really enjoy it as a meal for it really did look appetizing with its mix of vegetables atop a piece of chicken. His portion was much, much smaller compared to hers, which he was pleased to see. "But please, enjoy your meal," he insisted, reaching for a fork but never actually spearing any of the food before him.

"Thank you. I take that as a high compliment coming from a gentleman of your status," she replied humbly. Ladybird observed him reflectively from his features to his clothing in order to try and glean some more of an understanding of his personality. She hummed softly at his ideas while keeping her own to herself. What she had in mind was a bit more subtle and tasteful than she thought he was imagining but she was not about to commit or limit herself to either of their musings until she saw what she had to work with first.

She startled slightly when a hand crossed her vision to place a steaming plate of food in front of her. It was only as the cook was heading back to the kitchen that she was able to quickly send a "thank you" the retreating woman's way.

"It looks wonderful," came her enthusiastic exclamation. Shyly, she smiled at Akakios before mimicking his gestures and beginning to slowly and dainty eat her food. Ladybird was barely able to resist the urge to moan with pleasure at how sinfully delicious it all was. As it was she did have to pause and close her eyes to savor the moment.

'Who would have thought that I would be dining with a nobleman and eating his fare? This is an experience to remember.'

Unused to it, he thought it interesting that she thanked the cook. No one ever did that, at least not in his home. There was simply no need for it in his eyes, but he didn't want to upset her by calling her out for such a trivial thing. Smiling expectantly as he watched her eating out of the corner of his eye as he gently pushed around food on his plate as though he were trying to decide what to eat first, Akakios grew a bit jealous of way she seemed to be enjoying her food even though he was glad it was to her liking.

"It does, doesn't it?" he sighed, envious but relieved that an acceptable meal for her would not be a sticking point with them. There were a few, rare moments that Akakios actually raised a piece of food to his mouth and nibbled at it, but there was hardly anything he ingested that could be called even half a bite of food. He was certain he would be paying for it later, but he would rather deal with a bit of discomfort than have her think him odd for not "eating."

"Please don't be shy," he insisted. "We have all the time in the world and I would not be offended in the least if you wanted more. Are you thirsty?"

Ladybird blushed, feeling like she had been caught in a personal moment. "Quite good! You must be proud of your chef. Her cooking rivals that of my own mother." She played with her food for a moment, moving the vegetables about on her plate as she tried to calm herself. She felt so incredibly out of place here and feared making a mistake to offend him.

"No, I'm fine," she started to say before realizing just how dry her throat was feeling.  "Actually if it isn't too much trouble would it be possible to have a glass of water?"

"I'm glad to hear her skills are appreciated," he nodded, not really seeing her compliment as much of a reason to be excited or happy for his slave. It was very unlikely she would ever know it was appreciated anyway, not that she needed that sort of recognition in the first place.

"Certainly," he said as he hurriedly rose from his chair, happy to have a reason to remove himself from the table and distance himself from a meal he couldn't really partake in and enjoy. Once he was up, though, his relief almost immediately washed away when he realized he would need to fetch water for her himself unless he truly felt like making an ass of himself in front of her already.

Turning very slowly, he went off to the kitchen without another word and hesitantly pushed open the door as if he had not set foot inside of it in a very long time. Once the door was closed behind him, though, Akakios had the cook fetch him the glass of water for Petal. At least he could make it look like he did all of the work, right?

Without any words of thanks or appreciation he left once more and brought it to her to gently set down beside her plate before taking a seat again. "There you are. Please don't be shy if that isn't enough. I would hate for my guest to be parched," he chuckled.

"Thank you," she said gratefully while peering to look up at him from her seated position. To be honest, Ladybird had been surprised he had gotten the drink himself. While she was not used to servants doing things for her, she had assumed, and now she thought incorrectly, that Akakios was the exact opposite.

Eagerly she took a sip of the water, pleased to be able to have that moment to compose herself. She was feeling so much like a little girl. Ladybird was completely out of her element though. When she had been a child, she and her sisters had always played in their family garden at being noblewomen and having fancy meals with attractive gentlemen. This though was completely different than any meal she could have imagined. For one thing, it was entirely real. For another, it was only her and the lord of the manor who happened to be quite handsome now that she had a moment to notice.

Those thoughts had her feel flush and she placed the glass down gently to try and distract herself. As she did though, Fern quickly shot down her arm from her neck and shot across the table. Mortified, Ladybird attempted to snatch him back but he was off like a horse from the starting gate.

He would not be caught though and dodged her grasping hands to make a beeline straight for Akakios. Fern only stopped when he was on the far-side of the nobleman's plate, far out of his human's reach. He coiled up and raised himself enough to look up at Akakios and hiss a warm greeting.

"You're very welcome," he answered quietly, resuming his poor efforts to appear busy with his food. It was torturous that it only served of a reminder of the meal he was still putting off for the sake of appearing "normal" since it didn't really seem necessary that Petal know about what he was and the needs that came with it.

Trying to discreetly watch her from the corner of his eye, though, he knew he probably hadn't seemed as startled by the snake's sudden appearance as he should have been. Blinking and staring at him as he "stood" in front of him, Akakios couldn't help but smirk. "He seems quite proud of himself, Petal. I think he's taken a liking to me. He seems to recognize me, anyway," he mused as he held out his free hand towards Fern to scratch gently under his jaw.

"Oh he recognizes you alright," she replied dryly while glaring at her familiar who was practically chattering nonstop. Fern adored Akakios and only became more enamored with the nobleman as his scaly chin was rubbed. Eagerly, the snake moved to wind himself around Akakios' wrist and nuzzle his head against the man's long fingers.

Ladybird bit her lip nervously and put her fork down. "I really do apologize about him. He isn't usually like this." Nervously, she took another sip of her water. "I can take him back from you so he doesn't bother you anymore. I am very sorry for his behavior and disturbing you while you're eating."

Akakios chuckled as he watched the small snake getting comfortable on his wrist. He usually wasn't one to want the company of animals, but her little snake was growing on him. "Oh, he's no trouble, Petal," he insisted, smirking as he gently pet the scaly creature. He was thankful for the excuse to stop pretending to eat for now.

"Really, I think I'm done anyhow. Please enjoy your meal," he encouraged. "Don't let us be a distraction, I'll keep him occupied," Akakios chuckled.

Looking down at his food, Ladybird found that she did not believe him. 'Why he's hardly touched his food!' Mentally she chastised the snake who ignored her in favor of extolling praises upon the nobleman's being.

She continued to worry her lip even as she nibbled on her food. It bothered her how Akakios was now left waiting for her to finish and she fought with herself to not wolf down the food and further disgrace herself in order to keep him too long.

The entire glass of water he had provided was consumed though in an effort to help get the food down faster and to try and drown away her nerves. "You said you had further questions for me?" she finally prompted, hoping that at least talking would make it seem likes less of a waste of time for the rather accommodating nobleman.

Continuing to pet Fern, Akakios only looked up from the charming little creature when Petal spoke up again. "Oh. Yes," he nodded distractedly, having trouble removing his attention from him. He did notice, though, that her glass was already empty when he did look up to her.

"Do you plan on...continuing with your business? Is it something you're in for life or do you plan on passing it on to either of your sisters?"

Surprised that this was the question he asked and not something concerning her encounter with Toren, Ladybird stared at him dumbfounded for a moment, unable to reply immediately. "I-I will be continuing my business. My elder sister is already married and my younger has no interest. Why do you ask?"

"I....was just curious," he insisted, shrugging. "So what do you think of slaves, Petal?" he wondered, wanting to keep things going in what he felt was a nonchalant vein. "Is there a reason you took pity on Toren?"

"Slaves?" she repeated, slightly taken aback by the question. For a moment she let her fork play with her food as she tried to understand the thought behind the question. "Well personally I don't agree with the idea of enslaving a human being and treating them as lower than an animal. What makes them any different than you or I? But then I could almost argue the same for how does a nobleman differ than a commoner. I don't think though that many nobles would appreciate that sentiment though considering many see the rest of us as filth."

She shook her head to clear it and looked at Akakios apologetically. "I am afraid I don't understand your second question though nor how it relates to the first if it even should have. What do you mean "take pity on Toren?" I don't pity him. Is there a reason I should?" One brow raised in curiosity as Ladybird watched Akakios' face as if searching for an unspoken answer.

Fern distracted her though with his "standing" and weaving as he vied for the nobleman's attention. He loudly hissed for attention and tried to even "jump" up and down in a demand for more petting. The small snake did his absolutely best to give Akakios a puppy-dog expression with his beady little eyes, yet from experience Ladybird could testify that it really was not all that impressive to behold.

"Even if they have great debts?" he wondered calmly. "Not that I treat any of them like animals. Or lower than animals." It was truly what he thought about them. "And you seem to have a very low opinion of nobles," he chuckled, smirking to himself at her bold words. "I only see a fellow being as filth if they act as such in the first place.

"But Toren... No, there isn't a reason that you should pity him. I suppose I just assumed that you did. Because you helped him. You've protected him, in my limited experience with you, and I was curious as to why... My, this snake is so charming," he admired, resuming his pets and gentle scratches along his scales. "Such a handsome little fellow."

Ladybird pursed her lips in thought. She may have said too much, yet it was hard to tell with how amused he seemed. Briefly, she wondered if she was talking herself into a trap or if they really were just having a simple conversation.

'And do you see me as filth Akakios Reolaras?' Ladybird wondered, her chin raised in slight deviance. 'If you see people as filth based on their behavior how are you so blind to Agehneim? Do you willingly associate with filth then? I am not stupid. I know you're buying me off so I don't cause further trouble for you and your apothecary.'

"I saw someone who needed help, whose horse had been injured. I would have done the same for anyone," she told him, "even you. Is it wrong to want to help someone when you are more than capable of doing so?"

Biting her lip though, the shopkeeper shook her head. "I still don't understand though. What do you mean by protected? If anything he protected me, not the other way around. Agehneim threatened my person and Toren spoke up to him....um, thank you," she haltingly finished, watching his treatment of Fern like a hawk.

The snake on the other hand was in heaven. Carefully he attempted to wind his way up Akakios' arm in order to explore more and see if he could gain some more affection from the gentle nobleman.

Distractedly dividing his attention between between Petal and Fern, Akakios nodded as he thought her answer was fair enough. "It is not wrong at all. You are a very kind and understanding woman," he observed, a bit impressed with her, though he didn't quite realize that yet. "Perhaps protected was a wrong choice of words, though.

"I meant more...what did you offer him, or what happened between you two that Toren was willing to defend you? What is he expecting of you to defy me to my face? He never acted the way he did to me that day, and the only thing that was changed was your coming into it, so I assume it has much to do with you. You aren't in trouble, Petal, I'm merely curious as to why he wanted to protect you and why he stood up for you," he shrugged as he watched Fern cautiously as he allowed him to slither up his arm.

"I offered him nothing other than kindness," she replied calmly. "I saw his horse, or rather your horse, injured and offered my assistance. Later, when he saw Agehneim giving me trouble both verbally and physically he probably defended me for the same reason I helped him, he was there and he was not about to stand by and let someone get hurt."

She too watched as Fern climbed higher and higher up the nobleman's arm to rest on his shoulder. Once there the ringneck snake rubbed the top of his head along the ridge of Akakios' chin and against his cheek, bringing a smile even to Ladybird's face.

"He defied you to your face?" the woman repeated quite startled. "I'm afraid I know nothing of that, nor any reason why he should. I only know of our encounter with Agehneim who if you would like to know threatened and nearly succeeded in breaking poor Fern's back." As Ladybird recounted the events that nearly lost her her familiar, she heard her voice crackle with restrained tears.

"I do apologize Akakios but I cannot speculate on another's actions concerning myself. I know only what I have told you. Perhaps though you would be better off asking him directly as I'm sure Toren is the only who knows Toren's mind."

"I see," he answered calmly, mulling over what she was telling him, especially of Toren. Sighing and shaking his head, knowing he would need to talk to his slave again soon, the vampire nodded and explained further, "When I asked him about the letter he denied anyone else having seen it. He denied anything happening, wouldn't tell me that the mare was injured... I had to find that out from Agehneim," he muttered bitterly, though his tone was soon smoothed by her affectionate snake's continued attention. He gently pet his scales a bit more in a moment of silence.

"I'm sorry for your troubles with the apothecary, though. I do understand that he can be a very....forceful man. I'll speak with Toren later," he assured her, glancing down to her plate. "Are you still eating or are you ready to go out?"

Fern offered Akakios little snake kisses on his cheek and closed his eyes in pleasure, uncaring of the conversation going on between the two humans as long as he got the care he thought he deserved.

Ladybird on the other hand was quite ready to go. Carefully she placed her napkin on table and offered her condolences to Akakios. "I really do apologize for the trouble that has been caused on my behalf. I have no idea why your servant would have lied to you about me. If there is any way I can be of more help, please let me know. Otherwise, yes I am finished eating. Thank you very much for the meal."

"Thank you, I'm sure I might find something, but I think this whole...garden thing will help." The vampire stood from his seat, while being mindful of Fern, and moved to offer Petal a hand up.

"Now I hope you will not judge me for the state of the courtyard," he chuckled. "You'll see... It's unfortunately been very poorly cared for. No beautification has been done in hundreds of years, so forgive its....drab appearance," he explained, leading her to the door as he left their plates for the servants to recover in their own time.

"Ah yes, the garden," Ladybird remembered, taking his hand with a comfortable smile. Fern teetered slightly with all the movement and tried to coil around Akakios' collar as best as he could. He hissed in warning before falling silent again, rolling his eyes at the botanists responding laughter.

"I would not judge you, Akakios. I am sure I have see far worse. Former manure dumps truly are not ideal for a lady's garden, even if the soil is incredibly rich. A drab garden makes for a wonderful palette though. It just means that it is perfect for new creation. Everything is just a matter of having a new perspective, seeing things in a new light and that sort of thing if that makes sense."

A bit surprised by the snake's familiarity with him, Akakios tilted his head to try and catch a glimpse of him, which he failed to acquire. Walking her to the door and down a hall to head even further into his home, the vampire was quite surprised at her positive outlook. "My, you're an optimist," he chuckled. "But that's good. Very good. Too many people in this world see the worst in everything, you know? Even myself at times... Perhaps I was very wrong in my judgment of you," he admitted with a slight smile as he glanced down at her.

"Are all of your kin like you? Or are you just the extra special one?" he wondered, amused at his own choice of words.

Ladybird turned her face up to look at the nobleman with curiosity. "You keep saying that, that you've misjudged me. I'm afraid to ask what you truly think of me or at least what you did think. I mean I wouldn't say I'm special or any different than any other woman except a bit duller and not even close to as homely."

She looked away shaking her head. "Fern isn't bothering you is he? I swear he isn't usually so," she winced, "cuddly."

"Well... I'm afraid that's true, I really do think I might have because you seem different than I expected," he admitted. "Oh, no. No, he's perfectly fine where he is. Isn't hurting me at all," he assured her, though it was a first for him to have a snake so close.

"Truth be told, Agehneim painted a very....unsavory picture of you," he admitted, wincing slightly as he tried to wave it off. "I'm confident you aren't now, but he did imply that you were...less than whole. I'm very sorry we had that misunderstanding, though, I promise I think you nothing of the sort now."

Fern would have purred if he could at being told he was allowed to be where he was. In response he rubbed his head against Akakios' jaw again before settling down for a nap. Ladybird on the other hand watched the interaction skeptically before shrugging and letting it go. It would be what it would be. She assumed if a problem arose she would be able to get her familiar out of it in no time at all.

She did blink in surprise though at the nobleman's comment. "Less than whole?" The botanist looked down at her body, flipping her hands over to look at them fully. "I don't know why he would make a statement like that," she told him innocently. "I'm all accounted for, not a scrap of me missing, I can assure you."

Akakios just blinked at her as she answered him, trying very hard not to laugh or offend her. "Well... That's good to know," he said slowly, his throat tight from trying not to even chuckle about it. He wasn't exactly surprised she didn't seem to understand him, though, given the subject.

"I believe he meant it more like...you not being a virgin," he explained gently, hoping she would not lash out at him for simply talking about it. "You don't have to talk about that or even answer, though," he added. "I would not wish you make you uncomfortable or disrupt your privacy."

Ladybird's eyes widened to the size of saucers as her cheeks flushed vermillion and tiny squeaks escaped her throat. A strangled "oh" finally made its way past her lips while her hands fidgeted with smoothing her skirt.

"I really don't see how my virtue is any of his business, or yours for that matter," she finally stated once she was more collected. There was no malice in her voice as she mentally blamed Agehneim and not Akakios for her purity coming into question or being a point of discussion at all.

Clearing her throat, she looked over at him from the corner of her eye. "Would it be improper to ask why such a thing entered a conversation between the two of you? It is not something I would even dream of discussing with another person concerning a third party."

"I apologize for putting it so crudely, but I believe he was implying you had....relations. With Toren. He was informing me, it certainly is not something I would normally ever talk about. Especially of a lady," he assured her.

"It wasn't a discussion really, just something that he told me," Akakios apologized. He felt a bit bad, especially with the way she'd reacted once she'd realized what he had meant by it. "It...doesn't mean anything, and I meant no ill in mentioning it. I'm sorry if I....embarrassed you," he guessed, giving her a sympathetic smile.

"No," Ladybird nervously laughed, letting loose a big sigh. "Toren and I have not had relations. We have only been left unchaperoned for a matter of a handful minutes while I was tending to your horse before Agehneim walked in. Nothing did nor could have happened in that amount of time. I must admit great disappointment that Agehneim would even suggest such a thing and could only cite jealousy as a possible source of his cruel accusations."

Biting her lip in embarrassment, she blushed further to have it recognized and pointed out. "Thank you though for your discretion concerning such a delicate matter. I am sure this has not been easy for you, having to take time away from your work to speak with me."

"Well, thank goodness. Though I must say I agree... He is showing himself to be a very jealous man," he sighed, meaning it sincerely. He knew Agehneim to be an incredibly greedy individual and he did not doubt that he might stretch the truth. He did trust that he would continue to be loyal, though.

Noticing her blush, he tried not to show the smirk bubbling beneath the surface and show her his gentleman side instead. "Of course. It is certainly not fitting to speak of a lady's most private, delicate matters out in the open as if they mean nothing at all," he remarked, ignoring the fact that he had raged about her being some whore not a week prior.

"But it is no issue at all, don't you worry. My work is not so important that I cannot pause my efforts for an expected guest, Petal," he assured her as he finally reached one of the doors that would lead to the courtyard. Opening it for her, he held his breath as he waited for her to step through and be able to see the poor state of the grounds. He fully expected her to be upset by it and leave simply for the way it was in shambles. She was still a lady, after all, even if she was a commoner. "This is it," he explained gently, wincing slightly in anticipation.

She smiled softly, letting the topic go in hopes that her flaming cheeks would cool. Her embarrassment was quickly forgotten though as they stepped into the outer cloister before moving forward to step into the open courtyard itself.

Here Ladybird was in her element. Even in the midst of a garden that was practically crying with need for attention, she felt at peace. She stared up at the sky while turning in a slow circle to survey the kind of lighting she might have to deal with as well as what the roofing and the pillars of the cloister were made of.

Once she was done her circle, the botanist absentmindedly gathered her skirts together a bit so that she could crouch down and inspect the soil. As a lover might caress their beloved her fingers brushed the barren soil and dead leaf-litter before scooping some up to rub it between her fingers contemplatively. In the end she let it falling like grains of sand in an hourglass before standing up to brush her hands off.

"Well it would present quite the challenge," she told him optimistically. "The soil is almost completely drained of the minerals and nutrients it needs to sustain life. Those that it retains are all wrong for the kind of things you seemed to have in mind for here. I would suggest a specific cycle of planting so that nature could run its course and revitalize the land for further use in the way you would intend. If you're still interested I would be willing to outline some possible courses of action in more detail if you would be interested in such a thing."

He silently observed her as she surveyed the courtyard, ready for her to look overwhelmed at any moment, but she actually seemed calm and totally in her element. It was something he truly was not expecting from her, even for all that she had shared with him. He was beginning to think she truly was telling the truth.

He chuckled at how cheerful she seemed over how, in her own words, the courtyard would be a challenge. "That certainly doesn't sound good... I'm so sorry, though, I shouldn't have even asked. That sounds just, so time-consuming," he sighed, shaking his head, uncertain if he would be able to convince her to work on something long-term so early in this fragile, strange partnership.

"We can certainly go over our ideas. I wouldn't mind waiting at all, but...out of curiosity, how long does that sort of thing take, exactly? The...cycle of planting, you called it? Would you even be willing to stick with a project like that?"

"Well, I'm not going to lie," she informed him openly. "It would take several seasons at least. I won't know for sure until work is actually done on the courtyard just how much in dire straights the land is for the proper nutrients for sustaining life. If you're concerned that I might lose interest I can assure you that once I start something, I see it through to the end. I would not leave you with unfinished business."

Ladybird rubbed her hands on the front of her dress, embarrassed that they were now covered in dirt while she was in front of a nobleman. "Would that length of time be acceptable for you? It could potentially be much longer. I cannot say for certain. The actual drawings though I can finish by the end of the week I believe. Would that be alright?"

"That's....reassuring," he answered distractedly, pleased with her supposed work ethic. "You seem to know what you're doing, so yes, I'm fine with however long it will take, though I do hope it is well worth the wait.

"Don't worry too much about this...project of ours, though. I know you've said you have other customers to attend to at your shop, so I would not be offended if you split your time. As much as I'd be willing to pay to monopolize it, I have a feeling you'd turn me down anyway," he chuckled.

"But yes, any time you need to prepare or make plans is fine by me," he told her, noticing the way she wiped her hands on her dress but choosing not to say anything of it. He wasn't offended by it, being outside and all, and he couldn't exactly expect someone he was about to have working in his courtyard to be free of dirt all the time. "Would you like any assistance, though? With planting or planning or...anything?"

Ladybird nodded her head in relief. He at least seemed to be reasonable right now about the whole situation which took a great burden off her shoulders. "With the planning of course I would seek your approval and final say as the cost of materials and the final look would have to be something that you would be comfortable with in the end."

She chewed on her lip slightly as she mulled over the second part of his question before coming to a decision. "Regarding help with the physical labor itself provided that you are pleased with my plans, I was considering again, with your approval, of bringing in some outside help. I seem to remember a few miscreants on your land causing a bit of ruckus earlier this week. Perhaps they should make up for their misdeeds and be put to work. I don't doubt that I can get their assistance as well as that of a few others. I would of course claim responsibility for any trouble they commit and ensure that they stay out of your way and your home, should you find such an option acceptable."

He was amused at her idea of bringing in the brats who he assumed had been trying to commit highway robbery. "Well, considering how we got here, they wouldn't be able to stay out of my house. I'm not sure I trust them...even if you do.

"Regardless, there's no reason to recruit outside labor," he shrugged. "I keep plenty of slaves here, and I would be happy to have them help... Unless, of course, you have a few in mind that you have help you with these sorts of...projects. I would consider that, I suppose.

"Shall we go over your ideas, though? Maybe somewhere less...dirty?" he chuckled, moving towards the door they'd come through with a mind to return to his office.

"My mistake," she conceded. "I take back my former statement and agree that would not be in your best interest. As for labor," Ladybird continued, falling into step behind him as they re-entered the building, "I think that would be better assessed after you've judged my plans to determine whether they are even viable. I see no use in wasting your time with such details so early in the planning."

The woman did pause in her steps, worrying her lip as she tried to phrase what she had to say next in as polite a manner as possible. "Excuse me, Akakios I hope you can forgive me. However, I would prefer to think on my ideas and then draw up plans with a fresh set of eyes. There are some sketches and things I will need to do before I can say for certain what possibilities I can accomplish while maintaining something that would uniquely reflect your own persona."

She rubbed her hands together, still feeling a bit self-conscious. "Was there more you wished to discuss with me or is it alright if I take my leave until later this week when I can return with the plans? I don't wish to be rude but those storm clouds outside didn't look friendly. I think I should be heading home as soon as I can."

"Oh no, you may leave if that is the case. Forgive me, I misunderstood your meaning before," he said with a gentle smile before glancing towards the other hall that would lead to the front doors. Turning towards it, he tried to lead her down that way instead. "I look forward to your return, I'm sure we'll have much to discuss when the time comes."

Waving away a servant that spotted them and attempted to open the door, the nobleman opened it for her himself, peering out at the still darkening sky with displeasure. "Do send word to me if you need anything. I would be glad to assist and I do hope we can make this...partnership a success." Akakios straightened his coat as the wind tugged at it, annoyed that it was upsetting the clean dress he strived so much to maintain. "Let me walk you to the barn. Is your horse...easily spooked by a storm?" he wondered before offering "You could borrow one of mine again if you would like."

She shook her head, smiling softly as she did. "No, no, really Butterscotch should be fine if I get him home in time. Truly I would not wish to tire out one of your precious babies when I'm sure they'll much more comfortable here safe at home. Thank you for the offer nonetheless. It is very generous of you. But, really I would not wish to trouble you so. If I may though," hesitantly, Ladybird motioned towards Akakios' neck.

"It would probably be best if I took Fern back now. I don't think you'd like him hanging around you until the next time I come back. He's quite a handful sometimes. I'm really sorry about him. Thank you for being so patient."

He was amused at her use of the term "babies" in reference to his horses. Truly, they were simple livestock to him. Sure they were valuable and useful, but livestock nonetheless in his eyes. "It's no trouble at all. The offer still stands if you should ever need. Truthfully they don't get nearly enough exercise as they'd like and- Oh! Oh I'm sorry, he's so small I'd actually forgotten," he chuckled, turning his head some to catch a glimpse of the small snake.

"He wasn't any trouble, hardly noticed he was there," Akakios admitted, unlatching the door to the barn and eyeing her horse. Looking back over his shoulder at the angry sky he gave Butterscotch a look of warning, as if he didn't trust the creature to carry her away. "I look forward to your return," he bid her.

Ladybird gently extracted her precious familiar from around the nobleman's neck despite the creatures tired hisses of protest. She quickly wrapped him around her wrist while offering Akakios an apologetic yet grateful smile.

"I promise to return speedily then with the plans I draw up. Please excuse my hurry now and accept my apologies. I understand the rudeness but I really just don't want to be caught out in this storm. Butterscotch is a good horse but he's getting older and I don't think the cold would be good for him."

Blushing slightly out of embarrassment and forgetting the impropriety of it, Ladybird gave Akakios' hand a gentle squeeze before lifting her skirts slightly and dashing into the stable to get her horse who was blessedly already ready for her. "Take care Lord Reolaras!" she called. "Until we meet again!"

"I certainly understand, I can't fault you for wanting to keep out of the rain," he chuckled, though the sound stopped abruptly as his eyes widened at the sudden gesture of her taking and squeezing his hand. It was strangely familiar and while it did not disgust him it still came as a surprise. "Take care," he called, watching her retrieve her horse and shutting the barn up once she'd exited.

For a few moments he remained still as he watched the horse heading for the edge of his property before turning to head back up towards his home. He had hopes that his moment of gentleness would work in his favor, would begin to earn her trust. She seemed blinded enough by his status, which he had expected, so he didn't think she would need much more convincing to bend to his will, or so he thought.

Akakios returned to his normal daily activity, a bit lightheaded for his lack of feeding lately but stubborn and soldiering on without complaint. He didn't see the slightly fearful looks he got from his servants and he was just as blind to the slight change of color they saw in him.

As night darkened the sky just as much as the storm it became difficult for him to read over his papers and candles were lit so he could continue with his work. The howling winds and intensifying rain rattled the windows and their shutters, sounds that greatly irritated him as he tried to concentrate on the terrible handwriting on the pages, writing that was not his own, of course. He should have set them aside and continued when it was bright again, but he was stubborn and did not wish to reread them later.

She hurried Butterscotch along, praying that the older horse would make it home before the worst of the storm passed through town. His mulish nature was not something lost on her but did not much choice if she wanted to get home and not impose any further on the reclusive nobleman who she had spent her evening with.

The pair had nearly reached the gate on the far end of the property when a bolt of lightning shot across the sky, the only warning that Ladybird had before the sharp crack of thunder boomed her horse into a fright. She struggled to regain control while staying on before Butterscotch agitatedly stomped his hoof in the sodden ground, attempting to flee to safety. When at last she managed it and was urging him through the gate a second closer and louder rumble of thunder broke the horse's calm. With a great neigh he reared up onto his hind legs, throwing her from his back into a newly formed puddle before he took off back towards the warm sanctuary of the Reolaras stables.

Ladybird landed hard with a scream. A stinging, burning sensation jangled up her arm as it radiated out from her wrist. Careful flexing revealed that while painful it was not broken. At it worst it was sprained. Forlornly, she looked back towards the estate and where her horse had fled to before glancing towards the road ahead. She felt too embarrassed to return to Akakios' door, muddied , bruised and battered to retrieve her errant beast but it seemed with the storm's pace picking up that she simply had no other choice.

Sighing heavily, she pulled herself to her feet, groaning under the weight of her sudden skirts as she hobbled her way slowly back to his front door. Her head hanging in shame, Ladybird knocked on the door, praying a servant would answer to help her and Akakios would not be bothered by her presence.

The knock was heard by several nearby, but knowing that their master was not expecting anyone they went about their business. Seeing this, one curious young woman chose to go and answer it, surprised to see someone she did not quite recognize there. Giving Ladybird a once over she was not impressed. Soaked, muddied clothes that did not look at all special on their own. A lone woman with no escort was certainly not very wealthy, she assumed, so her conclusion was that this woman was a beggar of sorts. Standing in the way and making no move to invite her inside and have her dirtying the floors, the servant flashed a fake smile and asked of her, "May I help you?"

It was Toren, on his way to check on his master, that saw her and recognized her while passing the open door. He yanked it open further, hurrying to pull Petal inside as he shot a pointed, scolding look at the young servant. "Are you alright? What happened?" he asked, worried his master had thrown her out in the storm or harmed her.

Uncaring for the consequences, he pulled one of Akakios's coats from a closet nearby and draped it over her shoulders while the other woman looked on with a pout, thinking it improper but knowing she could not rightfully challenge him as one of the most senior members of their master's staff.

"Yes," Ladybird hurried to explain, "I was just here and-Toren!" She was suddenly and gratefully rushed inside. "Yes, yes really I'm alright," she protested while trying to not draw too much attention to her wrist and push off the coat. "There's no need for all the fuss. Butterscotch, my horse threw a temper tantrum and because of the storm he's run back to Lord Reolaras' stables. I-I just wanted to get permission to retrieve him before being on my way again. Really I don't wish to be any trouble, least of all mistaken as a horse thief. Is it alright or do you think he'll mind?" She worried her lip over the response even as it began to torrential downpour outside.

Hearing the rain picking up, Toren cast a worried glance out the window near the door and then to the stairs up which he knew his master resided. "Well...let's go make sure he made it back safely," he insisted, refusing to let her shrug off the coat as he placed it over her shoulders once more.

"Please inform him that she's here. Petal," he told the woman, sending her off with a jerk of his chin before heading off to lead Petal towards a side exit of the house that would lead to the barn. "We can get him," Toren finally told her while they were in private. "But I do hope you would listen to reason. I would like to ask him if you can stay the night, just until the storm has passed... I don't want you getting hurt if he's already shown he doesn't like it," he explained nervously, hoping she would not be offended or think him trying to inconvenience her.

Barely through the papers he'd engrossed himself in after her departure, Akakios frowned for the disturbance the servant caused him until he heard her reasoning for it. Not being told any reason why she was back or who had sent the woman, the vampire assumed she was back in secret and wasn't expecting to see him again. A thief perhaps. It would not be the first time a desperate woman had come back to steal from him. Rolling his eyes and waving a dismissive hand as he restacked the papers and rose from his chair, Akakios grumpily dragged himself back downstairs before being directed to the barn by the woman who mentioned something about 'Butterscotch.'

She rolled her eyes when Toren was not looking and shook her head as they dashed out into the rain. "Really Toren it's fine! I just want to get him home before it gets worse. He's a stubborn thing but I really don't wish to trouble Lord Reolaras any further than I already have! He's had enough of me taking up his time today as it is! I'll just get Butterscotch and go," she shouted over the wind that was picking up so much that it caused the rain to be blinding. Ladybird knew she most likely would not win this argument as the blasted weather was keen on making her lose but she was going to try if she had any say in it.

Toren listened but did not want to shout at her over the wind as that would be, in his opinion, very rude to a lady. Instinctively holding the coat around her shoulders, he ducked inside the barn with her to find her horse happily munching on another horse's hay and a bewildered stablehand trying to coax him away.

Shaking the water from his hair the servant sighed and looked to Petal with pleading eyes. "You should go once it's passed, don't risk your safety." Toren didn't realize how close his master was, the vampire practically flying through the rain to avoid the unwanted water on his clothing. "Nothing is worth compromising it. The roads will be muddy and it's too far and too dark," Toren complained, knowing exactly how it could be having traveled in poor weather many times before. "Something bad could happen... Is all I meant. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you only asked."

"It'll pass soon I'm sure of it!" Ladybird protested weakly. "Really your concern is admirable Toren and I thank you but it's unnecessary. I wish to be no more trouble." She paused glancing around before a thought came to her that made her giggle. "Besides, you know we really need to stop meeting like this. Whatever would your Master say?" she joked with the brightest of smiles lighting up her features.

Standing in the doorway silently watching them, Akakios was not really surprised by what he heard and what he thought it meant. He was truly disappointed and felt betrayed by her. How dare she have the gall to say to his face that there was nothing between them! Even the way she looks at him, he thought, his features twisting to a frown of displeasure and what he didn't yet realize was a twinge of jealousy. The vampire studied the familiar way Toren patted her shoulder through a coat he knew was one of his own.

"Why would you think you've been any trouble at all?" he wondered aloud, brushing his hair back from his face with a hand and flicking water from his fingers in agitation as he approached them. "To what pleasure do I owe your return?"

Toren was frozen with fear, hoping Akakios would not think her lighthearted joking to be anything more than it was. He swallowed nervously but kept in close contact with Petal, worried of causing suspicion of them again if he showed fear towards his master now.

The smile never left her face as she turned to see Akakios approaching, though there was an expression of concern for him as she noticed his sodden state. She internally winced slightly as she realized that wearing his coat had prevented him from doing the same.

"Forgive me Akakios for my so sudden return. I am afraid I am not quite that expedient on coming up with plans for your garden but it seems my horse, Butterscotch, the fiend that he is has betrayed me for food and a roof! I only made it as far as your gate before he turned tail and left me. As I was telling your servant, I did not wish to be any trouble as I reclaim my stubborn property before I am once more on my way again. I do sincerely apologize that you were disturbed. I had hoped that when I knocked on your door that the other servant would have made my intentions known as I feared going directly and being confused as a horse thief. With your permission though I will be on my way again and I thank you for the unfortunate loan of your coat that has left you in as bad a state as I," she hastened to add with a pained expression as she attempted to neatly hand it over to him.

Toren smiled and took a step back to politely distance himself as he finally allowed her to remove the coat. He was wary of his master, though, a bit concerned that the man seemed so calm after his clothes were dampened by the rain and his boots muddied for having come out to see them.

Akakios, letting his displeasure slide away, merely chuckled at her rendition of Butterscotch. Without a word he accepted the coat and put it on himself. It was only after the buttons were secure that his features twisted to a look almost of pain at the realization that there was a slight layer of mud now sticking and seeping against his back. But now was not the time to throw it off in disgust. "If he left you once I would worry he would leave you again. You are entirely welcome to stay the night so you can leave in easier weather. I insist, really," he urged her. "And Butterscotch can keep a stall if he's so inclined. There's more than enough room," he shrugged, turning to leave as he was itching to get clean and changed as soon as possible. He also fully expected her to take him up on it. It was unnecessary to put herself in such danger as he saw it if her horse was flighty.

Not trusting Toren enough to just leave them alone, though, he stopped in the doorway and stared out at the rain as he waited for them.

Catching his expression, Ladybird's own turned to one of concern. Once Akakios had left she quickly turned to Toren to ask him quietly if she had hurt the nobleman. "I didn't mean to if I did. Or is it something chronic he suffers from? Do you think one of my healing poultices would help? Or perhaps I shouldn't bother," she added more to herself. "He already has that apothecary to supply him. Oh I do hope he's alright," she sound aloud once more, biting her lip nervously.

Listening to her fuss and worry, Akakios frowned. Why was his health a concern all of a sudden? He didn't realize she was concerned over what she'd seen. Toren, though, looked so puzzled by her worry and he shrugged. "He's fine as far as I've seen," he assured her.

"I don't see why my health concerns you so," Akakios grumbled, impatiently tapping his foot as he waited for them. Seeing that, Toren gave Petal an apologetic smile and tried to usher her along to the door, expecting her to just go along with whatever it was his master was asking of her.

Ladybird blushed as her face took on an expression of hurt and embarrassment. "You looked pained sir. Forgive me for daring to wish to help another," she replied softly as she moved to stand behind him. "Also I thank you for your kind offer of a place to stay but I believe I should be on my way. It would be quite rude of me to stay and I am sure the storm is well onto its way to passing. I would not dare mar the perfection of your home with my mud and rainwater."

"Nonsense," he objected calmly. "What would be rude is repeatedly rejecting offers of hospitality from the rain when you are in no condition to leave in it," he turned his head some to glower at her, thinking his opinion fact in this.

"My home has already been marred by the mud and rainwater as my truthful servants tell me," he grumbled. "And will be again upon my return. So I see no issue with it. Unless... You are truly that much against staying at my home. Which I can understand," he snapped, stubbornly heading out into the rain to head back up to his house. Whether she decided to stay or go, Akakios would not beg her to do the logical thing.

She wrapped her arms tightly around herself wanting nothing more than to cry. "Stupid rain," she cursed under her breath even as she stepped out into it to hide the humiliation she felt. Her pride demanded she walk all the way back on foot if she had to while her sensibility warned her of the idiocy of such a moronic move. Giving in at last she followed after the lord of the house all the while cursing herself and wishing she could be swallowed by a ditch and disappear for good.

Toren watched their exchange with a heavy heart, dreading the sadness he sensed in her. He briefly instructed the stablehand to settle Butterscotch in a stall for the night before stepping out to follow them. Watching the tense shoulders of his master, he wondered what might have transpired between them for him to snap at her that way.

Akakios did not check to see if any of them followed him. He was moody and felt as though his presence in his own home was not welcome with the comfortable nature he'd just seen her with his own Toren. Storming into the house, he immediately shrugged off the coat and tossed it to the expectant woman who mumbled her own apologies for the bad weather.

Toren hurried to catch up, worried that his master might take his anger out on Petal even though she was accepting his offer in a way. He rushed to beat her to the door, silently casting an apologetic look her way. "Can I get you anything, sir?" he asked him, watching as the vampire grumbled and slung water and bits of mud from his person. His eyes turned wildly upon his slave, the subtle color within them sparkling with interest as he studied the man for his unspoken offer.

Ladybird entered a little bit after Toren in time to hear him offer assistance to Akakios. She thought nothing of it even as she stood as close to the door as possible after having wiped as much mud off her boots as she could before entering. The woman felt as tense and miserable as she looked standing there muddy, dripping, and shivering from her fall and the rain. Her wrist was also starting to hurt more now that it was beginning to warm up and lose its weather-induced numbness. She wondered if she kept still and quiet enough if they would forget about her and she could bear her humiliation in shadowed silence.

Akakios eyed Petal and the way she looked the perfect image of a drowned rat. He stifled a grimace as he settled his eyes upon Toren once more. "Please get her settled in a room," he answered tensely, swallowing hard against the agitation rising within his chest. "And then come see me in my study," he added, purposefully leaving out a reason so as not to alarm his guest but Toren immediately knew by the look in his eyes and smiled sadly.

"Of course, sir," he answered, turning to Petal with a gentle smile as he offered her his arm. "I'm sure there's some clothes here somewhere if you'd like to get changed," he chirped, wincing as he felt the air in the foyer woosh with the speed Akakios flew past them and up the stairs, practically throwing off his muddied shirt as he ascended and slammed the door to his room and he could not get changed fast enough.

She stared wide-eyed at how fast the nobleman was moving but brushed it off to her being overtired and miserable from the rain. "I'm sorry, Toren," Ladybird murmured weakly. "I've caused you so much trouble again. Always." She shook her head in despair while hugging herself tighter. "Is there a way for me to not make such a mess for you and your co-workers? All I do is cause problems for you and I do not wish to further upset Lord Reolaras if I can avoid it."

"Nooo! No, really," Toren protested with a chuckle. "Please don't worry about us. I promise this isn't your fault," he insisted. "He isn't all that upset and I think it's just me anyway. That he's upset with. He probably didn't want me taking you outside," he explained, biting his cheek and shaking his head as he slowly began climbing the stairs. "You just focus on getting warm, I'm sorry you had to see things like this."

"I'm sorry I had to make things like this," she protested with a shake of her head. "If I wasn't so stubborn to begin with Butterscotch wouldn't have thrown me and none of us would have been out in the rain, least of all Lord Reolaras who insisted before I even left that I stay. I just feel like such a fool and he probably thinks me one too," Ladybird whispered with bowed head.

Swallowing thickly, she at last raised her head with a look of determination. "We should probably get moving so I do not get you in any other trouble by making you late. What do you need me to do or go Toren?"

"Just follow me," he insisted as he continued to climb the stairs. The way she punished herself was absolutely heartbreaking to him. He wished her no pain in the world and he worried what being around Akakios might do to her as he'd seen countless others fall to him eventually. "I'll see if I can find you something warmer to wear and then...I suppose feel free to do what you please. He is not restrictive with his guests," he assured her.

Leading her upstairs to an empty guest room, Toren rummaged around a few chests at the foot of the bed until he'd uncovered a few things he hoped might be acceptable to her in both a nightgown and something for her to wear the next day if her things weren't dry by then. Setting them out on the bed and closing up the chests, he gestured at them with a tense smile as he knew he now needed to tend to his master's needs. "I hope you find those to be comfortable enough... But please feel free to search on your own if you do not, I'm sure there are plenty of things here and elsewhere. This house is...very old," he chuckled as he turned to leave her to her privacy.

Ladybird hurried after him, wincing as with every step she left a trail of drops of muddy water behind her. As he showed her to the room and provided her with more than what she needed she could not help but thank him from the bottom of her heart. "Truly you have done more than enough for me Toren. I cannot thank you and Lord Reolaras enough," she hastened to add. "Really I'll be fine but you best hurry before I keep you from your Lord much longer. I'm sure I have raised his ire quite enough already and I do not wish it taken out on you."

As soon as she had bade him go and he had obeyed, she quickly stripped off her clothes where she stood, hoping to minimize the mess she was making before using the bowl and pitcher of water to sponge off the worst of the muck from her face and arms. At last clean and dressed in a clean nightgown and equipped with a robe and slippers she had found buried in the bottom of one of the chests, Ladybird began to venture her way out of her guestroom in search of the master of the house in hopes of redeeming herself for her poor and stubborn behavior.

"Of course," he thanked her, blushing slightly for the sincerity he sensed in her. "Let anyone know if you need anything further. We would be happy to help," he assured her before taking his leave to give her the privacy she deserved.

Going to his master's quarters he was tense, though, watching as the vampire fussed and twisted in vain with washing his back even as Toren could not see anything marring his skin. He offered his silent help with it, hoping to soothe the vampire as he finished up for him and, as a habit, dressed him in a clean shirt again. "Much better," he complimented him with a smile that was not returned.

"You gave her my coat," the vampire growled. "You ruined my clothes in the first place."

Toren lowered his head in shame, nodding and knowing he couldn't deny it. "Yes, I did. I'm sorry, sir. She was cold and wet and I didn't know she was muddy at all," he told him truthfully.

Akakios grumbled at this but simply straightened his shirt and headed out to return to his study with Toren on his tail, anxiously awaiting the moment he knew would come when his master would pounce.

Toren was left to suffer in silence as Akakios resumed his work without a mention of why he'd wanted him there. He stood at the end of Akakios's desk and fiddled with papers nervously just to have his hands occupied. "I'm starving," he finally admitted in a grumble as he flipped a letter over to read the other half of it. "And I expect to be fed," he snapped at him, glaring out of the corner of his eye for Toren's hesitance to approach him.

"Of course, master," he sighed, hoping he would not snap at him for his lack of enthusiasm. Still, he swallowed against the lump in his throat and set the neatly stacked papers down before inching himself closer to him. As a bit of a punishment, Akakios made no move to grab for him, instead letting the slave stew and wonder when he might begin their regular ritual.

Only knowing of one place that Akakios could be, Ladybird headed off to his office in hopes of catching him still at work. She no idea what she would do if he was not there but seemed to be in luck as she heard him demanding food as she drew close to his door. Completely unaware of what was happening on the other side, she steeled herself to face her fears before boldly knocking on his door.

"Lord Reolaras," she called softly. "May I speak with you please? I will only be a moment."

Akakios snapped his head up from his papers and set them down in a hurry. Having expected her to be in bed, he gave Toren a questioning look. "Of course. Come in, come in. Door's open," he prompted her, enjoying Toren's squirming as the younger man stared at the door with pleading eyes hoping she would leave it for the morning and not have to witness him being fed from as he guessed his master might humiliate him with.

She opened the door slowly, peeking around it before entering. The sight of Toren made her falter though and pause just inside the door. "Forgive me Lord-uh Akakios, I did not mean to interrupt. If now is a poor time I can speak to you later. I just came to apologize and to thank you." Moving her hair nervously behind her ear while holding her borrowed robe closer about herself, Ladybird mumbled as she prepared to bolt, "I can do that another time though."

"No. Stay," he insisted, a smile curling at his lips. "I wouldn't have welcomed you if it was a bad time." Toren shook his head, still staring at her with pleading eyes.

"What is it that you're thankful for?" Akakios prompted her, wanting to hear it for himself as he grabbed for Toren's arm, causing the slave to squeak in surprise.

Her eyes darted between the two distractedly in confusion before she was able to clear her head and remember she was meant to be answering him. Looking him in the eye and taking a deep breath Ladybird began to explain how truly grateful she was for his hospitality and kindness.

"I understand just how generous you have been and how I've inconvenienced you. I wanted to thank you for what you've provided me with, a warm bed, clean clothes, and a roof for both my horse and me, even if the traitor decided to take it for himself," she added with a giggle before composing herself. "Thank you again, I don't know how I can repay your kindness. You have been most generous Akakios. Thank you."

He felt that her thanks were truly sincere but that did not stop him from wanting to take advantage of it. Shooting Toren a look of wickedness, the vampire released him and rose from his chair to approach her, the slave scrambling after him in silent protest.

"Well that is so very sweet of you," he admired, chuckling to himself. "But I think I know a way you might repay me. See, Toren is generally the one to provide me with sustenance but you. You... I can imagine taking payment in that form from you. For my generous hospitality and all. And the loan of my coat. And the food for your horse and yourself come morning," he proposed, shrugging as he expected her to just agree and felt no further need to entice her.

"You...want me to cook for you?" Ladybird asked, her eyes wide and eyebrows high up in her hairline with shock and confusion. "Or..." she blushed then, feeling sick as she considered a possible much baser need that a man might ask of a woman.

Her voice shaking slightly and her skin now a deathly white she attempted to maintain an air of calm. "F-f-forgive me but I-I'm afraid I don't understand what it is you are asking of me Lord Reolaras. I would hate to assume, if you don't mind."

Toren felt such embarrassment for her, he wanted to scream at his master for making a young woman so nervous over his intentions.

Akakios, however, delighted in her obvious confusion and discomfort. "I'm asking you to provide me with what I need to survive. Blood. Your blood. The very stuff that flows through your veins. What spills when you are made to bleed," he explained, stepping closer but cautious of frightening her away.

Ladybird listened carefully, portraying outward calm even as in her mind she was beginning to realize that perhaps the town rumors concerning the reclusive nobleman might have been true. Coming to a conclusion after seeing the tense look on Toren's face, she nodded her head and smiled softly while taking a step towards the nobleman as well.

"What do you require of me for this to work?" she asked, proud of the lack of tremor in her voice.

She was bold. Or stupid. But having spoken with her he would guess the former. "Simply your cooperation," he murmured, stepping even to seize her by an arm. "Are you willing? I cannot promise your comfort," he warned her.

Toren, staring in fear as he watched his master, silently pleaded with her to not do it, to let himself become the meal as had been intended. He shook his head, staring at her face and hoping to catch her attention.

She looked first to the apprehensive Toren then to the man demanding her attention. "If this is the price you demand for your generosity, then this is the payment you shall receive," Ladybird replied confidently, lifting her chin to meet his eye as best as she could from her petite height. "My word is my bond," she assured him. "I'm ready when you are," came her added whisper, her eyes never once leaving his.

Akakios was very pleased with her decision and the confidence that came with it. He doubted she knew what she was really agreeing to. "How delightful," he purred, bringing a hand up to brush her hair over her shoulder. It was not with the gentleness of a lover but the calculated, determined touch of a predator, as if her hair was a curtain to his meal and not attached to a living, breathing human's head.

He bowed his head to her shoulder, casting Toren a proud smirk before letting his fangs pierce her flesh without warning and without concern for her comfort as he had done for others in the past. He was not gentle, his grip on her arms almost crushing in his urgency. His eyes flooded with bloodlust and he held back a moan of pleasure as he finally got a taste of her sweet blood. It was all he could do to not tear into her shoulder, to not rip her open as the call of feeding had gone unanswered for far too long despite his easy access.

Ladybird held still as he touched her, believing she should be strong for Toren who seemed so disheartened at her choice. She was only able to offer him the barest of smiles before pain suddenly ripped through her shoulder followed by blazing fire. An involuntary gasp and short cry of pain was the only sound she was able to make before seemingly all the breath was stolen away from her longs. Her hands latched onto the front of Akakios' shirt, balling the tunic's fabric up just to be able to hold onto something as she struggled with taking quick, shallow breaths. Her mind was screaming but she was not going to dare make a sound and give him the satisfaction of knowing she was in pain or frightened. She only hoped it would end soon in one way or another as she did not think she had the will to hold on much longer. Already stars were beginning to dance and explode behind her tightly squeezed-shut eyes.

What little sound he heard from her was pleasing. That she made no others, though, save for her desperate panting for breath, was even moreso. He could feel her struggle in the tension, the grip she held his shirt in. It sparked his interest that she seemed determined to make not a sound. As if challenging her will, he adjusted his grip and bite upon her, drinking hungrily and without pause, determined to get his fill.

Toren watched with a look of pure horror, gripping his stomach involuntarily in disgust as he guessed what pain Petal was going through, pain he always felt, pain he was letting her go through. And there was nothing he could do to protect her. The slave felt utterly defeated as he stared at the pair, willing his master with his eyes to stop.

The vampire finally eased on her in his own time. Drinking his last, he lifted his head from her shoulder as he retracted his fangs. The bit of blood that pooled at her wounds was removed with a quick swipe of his tongue before he at last stood up straight again. The wildness was gone from his eyes now, his hunger satisfied, but he still eagerly licked at his lips to savor the sweet, metallic taste of her blood as he studied her in silence.

She gritted her teeth against the worsening pain even as her head fell forward to rest against his lowered shoulder and her hands pulled his shirt closer to her, afraid to seem like she was pushing him away. Though at last he was finished his fill, it brought her no relief as the fires continued to spread and flow within her blood, seeming to set her alight.

It took her a moment to compose herself, but as soon as she was able Ladybird also stood up straight and slowly released the tunic balled up in her hands. Carefully, she smoothed it out before taking a step back. "Forgive me Lord Reolaras," she addressed him formally, her voice barely above a whisper, "I seem to have mauled your tunic some. If there is nothing else you require then by your leave I shall retire as I find the long day to at last begin to catch up with me."

He quirked a brow in confusion as she apologized to him. Looking down as she smoothed out the wrinkles she'd caused in his shirt he glanced to the wounds at her shoulder, wondering if he'd caused delirium in some way. "A shirt is replaceable," he told her simply, stepping back to return to his desk as if nothing had happened at all. "You may go. The both of you."

Relieved that he was being released without asking but feeling terribly guilty over Petal, Toren rushed out, leaving the door open for her with worried glances as he waited for her in the hall.

Ladybird inclined her head slightly, wishing the nobleman a good night before turning ever so slowly and carefully to walk out the door, her head held high the entire way. It was only as she pulled the door shut behind her that she lost her battle with her knees and they gave out from under her, causing her to sink blessedly towards the floor.

Toren watched her with worry and gasped as her legs fell out from under her. Hurrying to her side but careful to be quiet, the slave touched her arm gently with concern. "Are you alright, Petal? Can you walk? ...was it too much?" he guessed, his heart feeling a pang of guilt over "letting" it happen to her.

"I'm alright, I'm alright," she replied quietly, waving him off as she tried to stand. "There's no need to worry so." Fern hissed angrily, spitting at Toren in anger. The poor snake mistakenly believed that he was the cause of his lady's ailment and would not let the man anywhere near her.

"Hush, Fern," Ladybird murmured soothingly to him. "Not now." Once more on her feet she addressed the concerned man beside her again. "Forgive me but I seem to have forgotten the way back to my room. Would it be asking too much for you to lead me there, Toren? I'm sure you have other duties to attend to."

Startled by the angry snake, Toren watched her with guilt and sadness as she stood. Nodding and pointing down the hall he cautiously reached for her arm to guide her. "I'll take you, it's no trouble at all," he assured her, thinking it silly that something would be more pressing than getting her to safety. "I am so sorry, Petal. So sorry."

She eagerly took his arm, needing it to steady her but not willing to verbally admit to her weakness quite yet, especially with the one who had put her into such a state close enough to at a moment's notice open the door and laugh at her.

"Why are you apologizing dear? You haven't done anything wrong, no one has for that matter," she said trying to console him and keep Fern in line who had continued to squirm and hiss as if drunk in her sleeve.

"I...should have said something," he admitted with sadness once they were a little ways down the hall. "It was supposed to be me. I should have been the one who...suffered that." Toren sighed, giving her a look of regret. "I should have stopped him. I could have stopped him," he tried to reason, feeling absolutely terrible that for what had happened.

"Is there anything you need? Anything at all I can get for you?" he wondered, opening the door for her once they'd arrived.

"Stop Toren. You're blaming yourself for another human beings choice. It was mine and I live with the consequences for good or for bad. It was necessary that someone did it. Take it for the blessing it was for you. You got the night off tonight," Ladybird told him while trying to smile.

With a great deal of relief, she collapsed onto her bed and ran a hand through her hair. "Is it possible I could get a glass of water. I feel a bit...parched."

"Of course, of course," he answered hurriedly, fetching her an entire pitcher and a cup that he hauled upstairs for her. Placing it beside her bed and handing her a first glass, Toren tried not to be awkward as he looked her over again.

"Are you sure you're alright? I'm sorry, I'm just so...worried. It's never a comfortable time for me," he admitted.

While Toren fetched her water, Ladybird a remaining washcloth and some of her bathing water to create a cool bandage to place over her feverish-feeling neck and shoulder. The glass of water was a welcome relief that she drank quickly, barely having the energy to thank him before she was downing it.

"I'll be alright. You're proof of that," she told him with a weak smile. "I am going to try and get some rest while I can though. Is there anything more I should worry about?" Her teeth chattered lightly with minor shock setting in. Her body was fighting her, demanding that she quit being strong and rest. But Ladybird had to know first this was the worst of it or close enough before she was left alone and helpless.

"I suppose so," he agreed with a sad smile, thinking on all the scars that marred his body thanks to his master. "Not really. Just...try not to think about it. It usually just lasts a day or so. Get an extra blanket...you might be a bit cold," he suggested, patting her arm affectionately before heading for the door.

Leaving her, Toren felt such a sense of dread, of being a disappointment. In his eyes, he'd still been the one to let her be harmed. He hardly slept that night, restless in his need to protect, thinking back on all the ways he could have avoided bringing her into harm's way, torturing himself with what-ifs and might-have-beens.

Ladybird genuinely thanked him, pulling an extra afghan out of a chest and bundling herself up in it before crawling into bed for the night. At some point she managed to ignore the pain enough to fall asleep for several hours. However, an unconscious move to roll over had her awaking with an unintended scream.

She fought to quickly muffle her sounds even as tears flooded down her face unbidden and she bit on her hand to keep further sounds at bay. Now sitting up in bed, her whole body rocked backwards and forward while she tried to talk herself through the pain.

"It's okay, it's okay. Deep breaths. It's okay, just breathe. Breathe Petal. You're alright. Oh Goddess! Kia, help me," she moaned into her hand. Panting for breath and feeling like she was stifling, Ladybird blindly reached for her little glass of water and poured herself one, her hands shaking with the effort.

One glass downed, she made to pour another and another. "More water," she just kept telling herself aloud. "It's okay just get more water. When suddenly the delicate glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the stone floor. Her tiny shout of "no," doing nothing to prevent it.

The muted scream he'd heard from down the hall had startled him from his work. He was certainly accustomed to the noise after feeding from someone, but it surprised him that there was only one and he'd heard nothing else of her. Setting down his things and quietly approaching the door, Akakios raised his hand to knock at it but did not follow through with it, his knuckle hovering just above the door as he heard the sounds coming from within.

That she was trying to talk herself through it was interesting to him, most just howled and hollered until the pain passed. He flinched for hearing a glass shatter. He stifled a growl and lowered his hand, shaking his head and telling himself that she would get through it on her own, that this was part of it and if she was to die she would have already. Still, something about the whole thing unsettled him in a way it usually didn't. He wasn't feeling up to doing anything more and retired to his own quarters at the end of the hall just as the earliest rays of sunlight began creeping into the house.

From then on her sleep, if one could call it that, was incredibly restless. She finally gave up altogether when the sound of birds chirping in earnest forced her out of bed. The pain was still there but it seemed that the worst of it was over.

Moving as if in a fog, Ladybird dragged herself out of bed and mechanically dressed herself in a clean dress. Her own was rolled up to carry home and wash as she was not about to leave it behind to be cared for. With a great deal of effort, she tiredly collected the broken bits of glass, wrapping them in a washcloth to dispose of properly later. Already she was calculating how much she would have to pay for the broken glass and wearily wondered just how furious the lord of the house would be.

She had not had enough time to truly process that the man was a vampire and a manipulative asshole on top of it. Ladybird was wary of the idea of being around him and working with him. It was something she knew she would have to think hard on but only when she was of a clear mind and an uninjured body.

Bed made, room put back together, and used clothes neatly folded on the chest, she at last made her way out of the room as quietly as she could. Her movements appeared slow and stiff, her face pale and older than it had the night before. She did not know what she would do if she ran into someone along the way but all she wanted was to get home and sleep in her own bed. Ladybird knew it was a mistake to have left the guestroom so soon when she reached the troublesome stairs but she was hardly going to allow herself to continue to stay and earn herself more debt to a vampire.

He had not truly rested for long. With a slightly sunken face he spent the better part of the morning pacing about downstairs. Watching with scrutiny as things slowly began to return to normal, he had no idea whether she was gone or not. There was a tugging feeling in his chest, however, one he did not yet recognize as regret. No matter what he did he could not seem to shake it and for that he remained a bit irritable.

Sensing movement upon the stair as he passed it and thinking it one of the more lazy girls of his house loafing around, he barked, "Get down here. There's work to be done." Retracing his steps, he went to stand at the bottom of the stairs, arms crossed and his face twisted in a bit of a snarl as he kept his eyes down, unhappy that he thought there was yet another slacker needing his attention, taking time away from what he saw as more important things.

Surprised by his terse demand, Ladybird paused on the steps, her hand holding the banister giving it a tense squeeze before she winced and remembered her fall the day before that had injured it. A brow raised in challenge and disbelief.

"Oh really now?" she intoned, unable to help herself even as she made her way down with a bit more speed. "I was unaware after you dismissed me last night that I would be needed so soon." Stopping a few steps away from him so that they were eye level, she continued in an even tone "I do believe that the plans will take more time than an evening to put together with all due respect Lord Reolaras." After the events of the night before she was once more back to calling him by his title instead of his given name, no longer comfortable with the informality he had allowed her the day before.

Not expecting to hear her voice, Akakios lifted his head sharply and watched as she descended towards him. That she did not appreciate his tone was probably an understatement. "My apologies," he mumbled, wanting to avert his eyes but finding the way she stood eye-to-eye with him a bit unsettling and something he felt he should not shy from.

"I thought you were someone else. Of course I expect you to take your time with preparing plans," he assured her, finding his eyes wandering to her shoulder and neck area. Gesturing vaguely, not wanting to point at her outright, he asked, "...How are you feeling? With that?"

She found herself secretly pleased and relieved that it had been a mistake but Ladybird was not about to let her guard down so easily. Carefully, she finished her descent down the stairs, trying not to flinch as she caught his eyes moving away from her own to her shoulder.

Afraid to let on how badly she felt and not wishing to insult her host she replied as diplomatically as she could manage, her voice losing some of its razor edge of before, softening into something far more neutral.

"As well as can be expected. Thank you for your concern," she said, her eyes also softening into a half-smile. "Is something vexing you?" the woman found herself asking, referring to his pacing she had observed earlier.

"That's good, that's good," he replied, nodding and watching her warily as she came closer. He would not believe it for a second, unless he saw some proof. Gently setting a hand upon her bitten shoulder, though meaning it to be a comforting gesture and not a torturous one, he moved to stand at her side.

"I didn't sleep well," he admitted to her. "And I find myself very restless today."

Ladybird kept very still under his touch, her breath coming slightly faster in anticipation of of a pain flare up either due to intentional or unintentional harm. It surprised her greatly not only that his touch was gentle but that he was touching her at all given their status difference and his perceived disgust with interaction with her in the past.

"I am sorry to hear that," she admitted sincerely, looking at him worriedly. "Is there something pressing you must do that would keep you from seeking rest? You should not push yourself hard," she started to advise him before dropping her head to stare at her joined hands in embarrassment. "Or at least that would be my recommendation."

That she did not immediately cry out was encouraging but he could really never be too certain. Letting his hand slide away, the vampire found himself feeling quite vulnerable for what he thought was her sudden concern for him.

"I could say the same for you," he murmured, shaking his head. "But I should be alright. I've survived this long," he told her playfully, a smile tugging at his lips as he finally went to return to his "task" and leave her. "Let me know if you would like anything for...it. Despite that you owed me something, I think I may have been a bit...unkind in the way I handled things," he admitted, though hurriedly as he rushed to round a corner and be out of her sight again.

"Thank you," she murmured softly while blushing. His admission of the extra pain he had caused her completely blew her away and she stared after him in shock, unable to say anything as he all but bolted from the foyer. She called another "thank you" after him before proceeding further into the room.

Ladybird was still determined to get herself home as soon as possible if only to curl up and forget the world for a day. Unsure if she should bid the nobleman goodbye or not she finally decided to just head towards the stables and be on her way. It did not seem to her at least that she would be seeing Akakios any time soon with the way he had left and she considered it a dismissal enough to head out without regrets.

Wishing to forget about his moment of weakness with the human woman, Akakios filled the rest of his day in one way or another, necessary or otherwise. And the slaves of his house suffered his micromanagement for it, their owner having nothing else to occupy his time with as sitting at his desk to work got nothing accomplished. He was cursed with the image of feeding from her burned into his mind. And it was good. So very good.

It was as if the emotion of it all still hung in the air, choking him and drawing him in every time he dared try to move past it. The way she'd tried to hide her burdens from him was intriguing and the voice of the brave, but pained woman kept replaying in his mind.

Once he was informed she had departed earlier with her horse he was not put at rest. An immediate thought rose to the forefront as he wondered if he should have let her be free to go so soon, if she would even make it safely. But why should he be concerned with one human's safety? He had a contract he wished fulfilled by her, but it troubled him that even that did not seem convincing enough to himself.

The ride home was nearly the death of her and Ladybird thanked every one of her lucky stars that Butterscotch was behaving and took her straight home without any trouble. Once there, she slipped her way into the back of her shop and crawled up to bed, not even bothering to take her clothes off as she once more collapsed into bed, her body stiff, tired and on fire.

The shop remained closed not that day but the next as well as Ladybird was forced into keeping it closed in order to catch up on lost time and work while she was indisposed. Unknown to her, one customer was particularly infuriated by her absence and had sent a message on to Akakios to inform him that the reason his concoction was still not ready was due to the fact that the wanton flower-girl was once again nowhere to be found. No one had seen her for two whole days since the terrible night storm when she had last closed her doors. He did absolutely everything in his power to make her sound useless, lazy, and unreliable while groveling and covering himself in glory.

Having received the letter from his apothecary, Akakios was none-too-pleased. He did not feel guilt for the situation himself, as it was her obligation to work for her customers, but he was unhappy that this little bump was causing other problems in his life. Writing a letter of thanks for informing him of the delays to Agehneim, Akakios then wrote to his doctor to ask the man to check on the girl. Informing him of the situation, that he had fed from her, he sent it off with a bit of guilt that Petal might feel him overly intrusive to want to be made aware of her health situation.

The doctor arrived at her doorstep that very evening, knocking gently in the hopes of not startling the girl if she was resting in bed. "Miss Hornwort?" he called to her gently, hoping he would not alert the entire town to his presence for her. "Are you home, dear?"

Getting back to work was brutal for Ladybird but she managed it and was grateful when the day was nearly done. With her hair tied back and dressed with her sleeves rolled up to her shoulders, she was killing herself to get ahead with the arrangements and special orders. She did not even notice the dying sun until a certain tinkle of her hanging door bell notified her that she had one final customer.

"I'll be with you in a minute!" Ladybird called out, her back to the door as she hurried to finish grinding some dried herbs with her mortar and pestle. She was in for a shock though when a hand reached up to brush aside her braid that had been concealing the marks on her neck. Agehneim had been moments away from kissing the soft flesh before him when he noticed the swollen, bruised marring of perfection and could not help but yank her around to face him.

"Had his fun with you then, did he?" He licked his lips, enjoying the way the small woman flinched and shuddered. Much to his delight she even whimpered when he massaged his thumb over her upper arm and he was drawn to the deep purple circles gracing each of her biceps. "Oh he did indeed! Tell me you little whore did you like it? Did he make you beg for it? I bet it was delicious hearing you scream and writhe. Pure heaven," he growled deep in his throat.

"Let me go," she ordered coldly, slapping his hands away while trying to escape him. Her efforts were futile though and in a flash Agehneim had his hands around her slender throat and was already beginning to squeeze.

Frantically, her fingers clawed at his hands, nails digging in to try and free herself even as her vision began to go starry. "Such fun I will have you now that he's had his," the apothecary promised, leaning in close before trying to kiss her. A fierce bite to the lip had him recoiling though and striking her across the face. Only the well-timed smash of a vase over his head kept him from striking her again and instead had him turning tail and leaving just as a customer began to call from her door. The poor doctor was nearly run over in the apothecary's haste to leave while Ladybird was left gripping a counter and her throat, trying to breathe again. She did not even have the energy to call out to the newcomer.

Hearing some of the commotion inside, the man raised a brow in concern and bobbed his head from side to side as he tried to peer through the window in the door. "Miss Hornwort?" he called again moments before the apothecary appeared and nearly trampled him on his way out. "Good Evening, sir, is the lady at home?" he wondered, his voice faltering some as he found himself ignored and the older man hurrying on his way.

A bit worried and taking it upon himself to enter, the doctor called to her again once he saw her at the counter. "Forgive my late visit, lady, but are you Miss Ladybird Hornwort?" he asked, a bit worried to see the tension he saw in her. "I have personal business, though I must admit this is a lovely shop. Are you...alright?"

With as much dignity as she could muster, the shopkeeper stood up straight, her hand still resting over her sore throat as she whispered hoarsely. "Shop's closed. You'll have to come back later." Her tone was curt yet polite as she had no way of knowing who the man was or why he was there. "I'm sorry to have wasted your time."

A bit startled that she would still try and shoo him out the man assumed she had not heard him properly. "Forgive me," he bowed his head to her and gestured to the bag in his hand. "I am not here for the lovely flowers, miss. I was sent by Mister Reolaras. I was informed you might have...some wounds from his feeding. May I take a quick look?" he wondered, cautiously approaching her.

Ladybird froze at the admission, her eyes fearfully darting to the doorway behind the doctor as if the mere mention of his name would bring the vampire through her door. "Forgive me," she tried again, struggling to clear her throat while motioning him in further.

Subconsciously, she pulled her braid back over her shoulder to cover her bitemark. "What do I need to do to make this easiest for you? I'm sorry I'm not at my best right now."

He gave her a warm smile as he finally reached her, noticing the way she adjusted her hair. "Simply allow me to...see it, I don't even need to touch," he waved his hand vaguely at her shoulder, not knowing which was the affected one. "Does it...pain you at all?"

A nod of her head and a toss of the braid revealed not only the asked after injury but ten red ovals already beginning to turn purple along both sides of the column of her throat. "Do whatever you need to sir. I'm not about to stop you from doing your job. It smarts from time to time especially when touched but I suppose every injury is that way.

"Does...does Lord Reolaras send you to check on all of his associates then?" Ladybird was curious as hell to know more but she feared whatever she asked would find its way back to the vampire and she hardly wanted to deal with him any sooner than she had to.

"Thank you, ma'am," he told her sincerely as he leaned forward to look over the bite wounds. He was a bit alarmed to see the fresher markings upon her neck, however, and glanced up at her with a curious gleam in his eyes. "Associates? I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean. I am employed from time-to-time as his personal doctor," he explained.

"But...the bite looks to be healing well. Don't itch at it and you should be fine in no time. May I ask...how this happened, though?" he asked, pointing at her throat with a look of concern as he guessed, "Did he...harm you?"

Ladybird winced and licked her dry lips. "That was not his doing," she eventually stated neutrally. She did not know how to address what had happened and she certainly did not want to complain or state that Akakios had harmed her in other ways. Her arms still sported his bruises and the doctor obviously knew that her neck had been torn open.

"Thank you though for your concern. Is there anything else you must do or do I pay you now?" Her chest tightened as she already began calculating the cost of having the doctor check wound. She would not have called him on her own and knowing how the nobleman was about his home, she did not doubt for a second that the man would be expensive and the additional price she would have to pay for Akakios' dabbling would be even greater.

The man frowned, thinking on the older man he'd seen storming out of her place only a little while earlier. It was not his place to pry, though, only to see to her recovery and report back to Akakios about it. "I see, that's good. Pay?" he blinked at her, startled but then smiled kindly and gave her a gentle pat.

"No, my girl, Mister Reolaras sent me to you and he is the one who shall pay. His work, you see? He simply wished to know if you were still of sound health." The man did not doubt, though, that Akakios would make her repay him in some way for this service.

"I must say, though, I'm surprised he did not call upon me to visit his home for you. I'm shocked you managed to travel in...your condition. But I suppose that's good. You'll be a strong one," he told her, trying to be encouraging as he assumed about the relationship she had with the vampire. Giving her a departing pat, the doctor was off to return to his own home where he wrote a letter of report to his employer about the woman.

"Is it...that serious?" she asked hesitantly after the doctor had left. She worried for the answer as thoughts of her debt to Akakios being paid in the form of another feeding surfaced. "Have I angered him? I was not under the impression I was required to stay. Is that what this is? Oh Kia what is Agehneim going to say now?"

Feeling incredibly worn out and overwhelmed, Ladybird threw herself into her work, fully intent getting ahead in earnest this time. Her thoughts were never far from the nobleman though as she was already working through several different possible plans for his garden. She did not think it would be long at all before she would be making her way back to him with several drawings in hand awaiting a semblance of approval.

A letter was delivered to Akakios the following day, handed to him by none other than his faithful Toren. The slave was wary, watching his master with a small bit of worry as he knew it was from the doctor. "I hope he brings good news," he wished him honestly, hoping his master would not be thrown into a fit of rage should he learn he'd gone and killed another with his carelessness.

The vampire rolled his eyes, finding Toren's words a touch inappropriate given it was really none of his concern. He was tense as he read the letter, however, rereading it a few times more to be sure he understood it well.


Akakios felt a bit bad, in all truthfulness. He hadn't thought he'd been that rough with her, but he supposed he could see it for himself if she did return to him. "Toren," he sighed, lifting his head wearily. "Please see to it that it is known Miss Hornwort is to be welcomed with open arms here. I expect her back shortly but... I do not wish to have another incident as we had recently."

Akakios did not have long to wait as two days after the doctor had paid her a surprise visit, she had managed to draw up four different sketched possibilities for the nobleman's courtyard garden as well as detailed lists of the necessary materials she believed she would need based on her first visit. She did add in directly to the notes that she could not provide an exact quote as she had not made any measurements and also did not know of any possibly buried architecture that would cause revisions. It was more to save herself than really notify him though. Ladybird had a feeling that if Akakios was anything like his associate, Agehneim, then she would not to be as exacting as possible, else it would be her own noose she would be hanging herself with.

Feeling both nervous and resolute, she at last knocked on the nobleman's door. She quickly smoothed out her dress to ensure it looked smart while clutching her two thin boxes to her chest. The dress itself had sleeves long enough to hide her bruised arms and a collar that drew attention away from her neck by being high in the back and part of the sides. But it was her long, dark hair, left down and wavy for once that completely hid her shame. Ladybird feared any further attention and hoped that the nobleman would ignore their earlier interaction as she attempted to do the same.

The young woman was welcomed into his home. An older woman led her to a sitting room on the main floor. Quietly, she came in and out of the isolated room after notifying Akakios of her arrival, setting up the table with various books, paper, ink, and finally a few writing quills and a small tray of wine. She poured a glass for each of them and cast a calm smile Petal's way. "He should be along shortly. Please, help yourself," she told her, setting the bottle down and scooting the tray down the table a bit to be within her reach should she choose to partake in it.

Leaving her to sit in silence, the woman returned to her other duties while the master of the house took his sweet time. Despite having his supplies ferried down for him, Akakios still fussed about gathering every little scrap of paper he thought he might ever need. Stuffing them into his journal and the small book into his coat pocket, the vampire descended the stairs and hurriedly made his way down the hall with long strides and heavy boots as he almost jogged in his haste.

Knocking firmly to announce his arrival, he swung the door open and quickly closed it behind him. "Miss Hornwort," he greeted, bowing his head to her as he approached and settled himself in a free seat. Gently tossing his book onto the table beside all of the neatly stacked papers he leaned back with a glass of wine in his hand. Lifting a leg to set an ankle casually on his knee, he observed her quietly as he kept his glass at his lips, sipping at it like a man deprived, as if he didn't intend to set it down again until it was empty.

At first glance she looked well enough, but he was certain she probably hid her discomfort well. "So," he began, finally lifting his glass from his lips and leaning to brush his hair back over his shoulders. "Are your plans complete, then?"

Ladybird thanked the woman before setting her pair of boxes down and opening the one containing all her notes. These she displayed across the table in a certain order as she hurried to prepare herself for the nobleman's arrival which came just as she smoothed out the last of her drawings so they faced where he would sit.

"Lord Reolaras," she returned his greeting equally amicably with a gentle if barely weary smile. Unconsciously as she had done many times over the last few days, her hand nervously played with the hair covering her injuries before she brought it back down in her lap.

"My plans are only complete sir with your approval. I would not dare declare them ready without your say if you are willing to review them now. I have brought with me four possibilities although they can be altered to accommodate your desires whatever they may be."

Genuinely surprised by how cooperative she was being, even providing him with so much to choose from. "Certainly," he murmured, clearing his throat and leaning to forward to set his glass down and gather the first couple of plans on the table. Silently reading them over, he gathered them neatly once he was done and reached for the others to read them over as well. "And I trust this is the best you could come up with," he mumbled distractedly, nodding in approval as he read. "Because this is excellent."

Giving each a final glance over, Akakios finally set them back on the table in the order he'd remembered and picked up his wine once more. "I'd like to know...which is your favorite? What do you feel suits the space the best? ...We can go look at it again if you'd like."

She nearly took offense, believing for the barest of moments that he was insulyingg her efforts before his compliment came through and she was blushing shyly. It was a high paid compliment from someone with such experience and knowledge. Ladybird thanked him quietly while waiting for his answer.

His decision to ask her opinion did not surprise her though and she was soon on her feet, drawing in hand to stand beside him and show him. "Structurally, I find this one most appealing and more practical based on the needs you specified and the things I have observed. The walk-around garden provides enough light and openness for the greenery while keeping its observers shaded and dry no matter the weather. Likewise the covered patio is both private and pleasant enough for meals or conferences should you so desire them. I was not sure about your attitude towards the fountain but I thought it might be a lovely centerpiece as well as a nice conversation starter." As she spoke she pointed out each of the features in her drawing while her face unknowingly displayed her delight and passion.

"As to the greenery itself I did have a question if I may. How much of a functional garden would you want the courtyard being come the colder months? Is it something where you would want plants year round or only in the warmer ones? Also are we agreed that coloring should be tasteful but not eccentric? I would not wish to overwhelm a bypasser with an overly exotic gathering of flowers clashing but correct me if I'm wrong I do not believe you would be content with a monotonous sea of green every day of the year no matter the season. Is that correct or have I overstepped my bounds?"

Watching her approach, the nobleman was looking at her as much as he was her drawing. Nodding and setting his empty glass aside, he tried to envision what she was describing and hummed in agreement. "I love it. I think that would be great, but... I worry that this is as much as a construction undertaking now as it is a gardening one." A bit disappointed now that he realized he may not be able to completely monopolize her time as he had intended to do with this project, Akakios tried to shrug it off.

"I'd like some green throughout the year, yes. I've left the courtyard so grey and dry for years... It would be nice to see some life in it again. As for the flowers... Yes. I want at least some when it's the season, whatever plants you choose, but a 'monotonous sea of green' sounds lovely," he chuckled, a bit startled by how relaxed he was about a "business" conversation.

"I'm sure it will take time to erect the...more structural parts of this." He waved his hand at the design vaguely. "Will you be doing those as well or is that something you think would be better handled by outside help?" he asked seriously.

Misunderstanding his meaning, Ladybird hurried to assure him there was nothing to fear. "While I would not be physically able to provide the labor necessary for the construction I will still be able to help with the overseeing and work with whomever you decide to oversee the building process. Of course I'm sure you understand without a clear knowledge of what obstacles we may discover underground some plans may need altering or may face delays. It is of course my intention to keep you completely in the know sir if you're agreed. I would never leave you high and dry while someone else carries out my brainchild.

"As for plants perhaps we should revisit that idea once we get closer and have a better idea of what has come from the laborer's hardwork? I have however been considering a type of creeping ivy for the winter months, perhaps a variegated one to provide the green look you desire. Though if you wished my opinion I advise against the sea of green. Color is more often attributed to women and the home. It would soften attitudes towards business deals where men are concerned and garner more of a woman's comfort and trust given how we are often sent to gardens to take refuge from the busy world outdoors."

Straightening again with a gentle smile she continued while playing absently with her hair, "is there something else preying on your mind concerning this though? I know right now it sounds like grand ideas and talk but I don't want you thinking this as a wasted venture in time or money. I take my work very seriously and I believe everything I do is a reflection of myself. I would not want you to think that I would shirk my duties to you or to my other projects. Every job is important to me no matter how great it small as I have often found the finer details can be just as rewarding and challenging as the overall picture."

"If you wish," he mumbled thoughtfully. "I just don't want it taking forever, though I'm sure you don't wish it to either.

"I wouldn't mind discussing final planting choices at a later time, but I trust that you will be preparing the soil along with your supervision of construction here." Akakios was a bit taken aback by her questions, though. Raising a brow, he leaned back to look up at her, pointedly watching as she played with her hair. His dark eyes wandered to the area he'd feasted upon previously, noting the careful way it was shielded, purposefully or not. He wondered if it pained her, if she was uncomfortable. He wondered where exactly she was bruised, not remembering any particular force from himself in their encounter.

Distractedly returning his gaze to her face, the vampire smiled gently as he listened to the endings of her rambling, gently raising a hand to stop her. "I trust that you do take your work seriously. You seem like a very...motivated young woman. You wouldn't have returned here if you weren't, right?" Akakios stood carefully, straightening his coat and bending to retrieve his journal that he now found no use for. Placing the small book in his pocket, he turned to face her, not entirely satisfied with leaving their interaction so short.

"The courtyard has needed work for a very long time. Anything would be an improvement over what it currently is," he admitted before stating plainly, "If you shirk your duties you will pay for it.

"But I do wonder. About you. Do you honestly think this is something you can do? Not too difficult? And how is your health? I just wonder if you will be able to...fulfill your duties in this."

She stepped back to allow him his space as he gathered himself though Ladybird could do nothing to keep her eyes from narrowing at his challenge. "I believe I am capable of stepping up to the challenge and seeing it through to the end. If however you do not have full faith in me Lord Reolaras then I promise not to be offended and will hand off the plans to you for another's execution free of charge. We can let bygones be bygones," she offered truthfully.

His question towards her health though both ruffled and soothed her feathers. On the one hand she recognized it as a further challenge towards her abilities. But on the other it was genuine concern, she believed. Regardless she relaxed a bit and smoothed her hair with her fingers. What she did not realize though was that her constant playing with it had disturbed it enough to reveal not only her bitten neck but her deeply bruised neck and throat.

"I am well I assure. Please do not let my delicate gender lead you to believe I am anything like the noblewomen you have encountered throughout your life. Dirt and labor are no fears of mine."

"I mean no offense," he chuckled, amused at her defensiveness. "I only ask because I have seen other women give up over much less. If you are confident then I have no trouble signing a contract with you, Miss Hornwort." As she played with her hair, though, he caught sight of her bruising. He inhaled sharply in surprise, his eyes dilating as he slowly realized that the marks upon her throat were not of his own doing, they could not have been.

Accustomed to being able to freely touch any within his household he raised his hand quickly, reaching to brush her hair aside to see it better. He paused, though, his hand awkwardly hovering just above her shoulder as his face took on a somber look. "May I... See how you've healed?" he asked weakly, knowing full well that that was not what had alarmed him.

Ladybird inhaled sharply and froze as he reached for her and paused. She did not know what to think as he suddenly moved for her and briefly the thought that he was going to claim repayment for the doctor blazed through her. Even as he asked permission, she was not fully convinced he was not thinking about something else instead.

Hanging her head, she gave him a tense nod and looked away to allow him to see. Her cheeks flared with shame as Ladybird knew without a doubt he would see the new addition of bruises around her throat that most certainly were not his doing. She did not want to have to explain herself or worse have assumptions made about her that would not only harm their business deal but her reputation.

"The doctor you sent remarked that it was healing nicely and I have been following his instructions to maintain that," she told him softly. "Thank you for troubling yourself on my behalf though it was not necessary. I am quite well."

Ladybird hesitated unsure how to approach the next thought on her mind. "Will you be requiring another transaction between us in order to settle the debt of your generosity, Lord Reolaras?" She swallowed thickly, fearing that she would find herself in an unending cycle of feedings and doctor's visits if the vampire lord had his way.

With her permission, despite how she'd granted it, Akakios brushed her hair over her shoulder with a gentle hand. His brows furrowed with confusion at the sight of the bruising around her throat. His dark eyes flickered to the bite wounds briefly, satisfied in their healing as he brushed fingertips across the marks with a bit of hidden admiration. A part of him was pleased she had handled it so well, or so it seemed. Most were not as strong as she or recovered as quickly.

His mind raced with questions, though, as he feigned study of her shoulder as he continued to stare at the coloring upon her neck. Tongue-tied and not even knowing where to begin with his questions, he was slightly startled by her own. Glancing over to look her in the eye he just stared, dumbfounded at the way she so boldly suggested such a thing.

"If that is your preferred method of providing payment," he agreed offhandedly, though his mouth tensed with concern as he finally let his hand fall from her as he took a step back out of respect for her personal space. "Did my doctor do this to you?" he asked her at last, concerned that a man he entrusted with his own life at times might harm someone he saw as "his" for her current preoccupation.

"Heavens no!" she gasped, placing a hand over her chest in shock. "He was most kind and gentle. He would never harm anyone I'm sure, least of all me. You needn't worry yourself sir, your man was good to me and your reputation as well as his remain intact."

Ladybird blushed darkly and moved to cover her neck with her hair once more as if hiding it would make him forget the damage done. "As for pay," she tried, hoping a switch of topic would be enough to deter him. "Not to be rude, but perhaps it would be possible to discuss other options? It is not that I wish to deprive you of what you need but I worry of a constant cycle of debt that would do neither of us any good."

He was relieved that he could still place his trust in the doctor, but it concerned him that she did not offer the name of the person who had caused such bruising. Akakios let it lie for now, hoping she might tell him on her own later so he might not have to pry it out of her.

He just stared at her and blinked, though, for the way she saw through his plans so easily. A blank expression on his face, the vampire tried so very hard to seem distracted by her proposition, as if her suggestion had never occurred to him at all. "Well I certainly do not wish a cycle of debt upon you. I know and I've seen what that can do to a person," he assured her, trying to appear sympathetic to her cause.

"I would be open to other options, but I wish for us to...profit equally. So long as we kept such an arrangement. It would be I who owes you," he tried to explain, though he fully intended on being the one to come out on top of it all. "Would you...perhaps be open to it just until I find a suitable replacement?" he wondered, trying to string her along with guilt. "I know it pains Toren so. But you seem to handle it so well. I was going to ask you anyway... So I'm glad you've broached the subject."

She pursed her lips in thought. One the one hand, Akakios' attempt at guilt-tripping was working. On the other, Ladybird was greatly concerned about how the frequencies of their transactions would affect not only her health but more importantly, her work. If she fell behind and had to take just as many rest days as she did those of work she would never keep her business running and would most certainly be incapable of working on the nobleman's project which would in turn not only ruin her reputation but also force her into breaking her word to him, something that she valued more than anything.

"To be honest," she began nervously, "I have some reservations as it were to this, mainly dealing with my work you see. I have already made several promises and assurances to my capability and I worry that the strain of assisting you on multiple facets would not only strain our business relationship but eventually place me in a position of," Ladybird hesitated as she tried to find the right word. Her hand nervously moved to rub the back of her neck, accidentally revealing the dark bruises that decorated the other side before she was able to catch herself too late and drop it back to her side. "Shall we say that I feel the strain would leave me unable to carry out my designated duties to the best of my known ability causing disappointment for us both I believe.

"If there truly are no other alternatives to repayment then I think it prudent to set up an agreement for both our sakes." She was still hoping that he would allow her to repay him otherwise, though the thought of some even more unsavory things a woman could do to repay a man left her incredibly wary and careful. Ladybird wanted to help Toren and her good nature perhaps even extended far enough to want to help Akakios, however she likewise feared that he would turn on her. She had no way of knowing just how often he may need to feed or how he would use it to try and control her. The businesswoman wanted to believe he would be honorable and genteel about it but thus far she did not believe it was something he was capable of doing beyond a point. Already, she could imagine him coming for her in the middle of a workday at his manor and demanding food that would force her into halting work not only for the rest of the day but possibly the next as well. Her head spun with the overwhelming thoughts and problems her deal with the devil was beginning to present and she knew what she could think of was only scratching the surface of what he could imagine.

He'd caught a glimpse of the bruising on her throat, the previously hidden side seemingly matching the ones he had seen. It got him wondering who she was protecting. "There are other ways," he assured her distractedly, his eyes fixed upon the curtain of hair covering her bruises. "But I don't think any could be as comfortable for you and as beneficial to me. And I do think an agreement would...protect all parties in this." Secretly he was thrilled she wanted such a thing. Perhaps she did not yet realize the burden that could be a contract with him. He couldn't blame her in that for their first contract yet to be written, but he was very surprised that she thought it would ever be fair and meant to protect her as well as it did him.

"If it makes you more comfortable I would happily accommodate some flexibility. Even some vague structure would help me immensely. I've heard it is not nearly so bad when I have not neglected my feeding for so long," he explained with a pang of guilt, not really wishing to tell her how long it had been at the time of her offering to him. "So perhaps once a week or every two weeks? Does that sound reasonable? The shorter the interval the less I would need to take, but I would leave that decision up to you. Once a month is probably going to be the most you'd want to go...for your own comfort at least."

In his own mind there were no other alternatives. He was set upon this and if she refused he was certain he could talk her out of whatever her plans were and focus back on what it was he really wanted from her. "I must know, though. For your own safety here," he hurriedly prefaced. "Did Toren do that to you? I couldn't help but notice you have so many bruises."

"No," she told him with a sigh. "On of our-my," Ladybird hurried to correct herself, not wanting to give away who caused her injury, "business patrons did not approve of my absence and there was a bit of a misunderstanding. I assure you none of your staff have been unkind to me and in fact Toren has been one of the kindness gentleman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting."

Clearing her throat, the young woman once more tried to maneuver herself away from the topic of her injuries courtesy of Agehneim. "I have to ask and I hope you do not think it too bold of me but what as far as meals go is healthiest for you? I wouldn't want to make you ill which is why I think a very structured contract would be best until you find a replacement. Leaving things flexible is not healthy for either of us. If you go too long or too often then it is likely one or both of us will become ill and we will be worse off than we started. Furthermore, I am concerned I suppose about how this is beneficial for both of us. I don't think I understand how I would benefit from repeated loss of work and health over time, with all due respect," Ladybird hurried to add.

He frowned slightly, a touch annoyed that she would speak such praises of Toren to his face and say nothing of him even though they hardly knew each other at all. He was skeptical, though, of whatever misunderstanding they'd had as he wasn't sure what kinds a young woman could have to be so battered.

Listening to her, though, he was surprised she was even wanting to hear the truth of what he was asking of her. "As far as I'm aware," he defended. "It doesn't cause any health problems. Not long-term at least. But... If I'm being honest it's best for me to feed as often as possible. Every day, several times per day. That isn't very practical, though," he sighed, tapping his shoe and shaking his head in acknowledgement. "It is not so terrible, but it is more that I find many people to become very...distracted with that sort of habit, which would be no good for working I suppose. Especially if you would not be living here.

"Two or three times per week would be fine. Once a week is just... 'Meh'" He gestured with his hand to indicate how underwhelming it was, hoping she might opt for something more favorable to him. "And...once every two weeks would probably be about the end of a comfortable limit. About your benefits, though. They will be many, I can assure you," he told her with a confident smirk. "You may have any material things of equal worth that you might desire. Or money, if you have more need for that. But you will be amply cared for for doing me this favor."

She listened intently, her face showing her thoughts as they came and went. Ladybird was feeling a bit skeptical about the whole deal. The woman was not oblivious to the way he was trying to weasel more out of her than she would gain and his promises of wealth both material and monetary did nothing to peak her interest or sense of compassion.

"I see," she began trailing off slightly before coming to a decision to stand her ground. "So if you fed from me once a week then that would give Toren and the others you feed from a bit of a break while still maintaining a healthy environment for all involved. I am sorry that I cannot be of more help but I cannot afford to lose my good name and reputation which I would think you as a businessman would understand. Once my customer's faith in me has been lost, no amount of riches in the world will bring it back. My family's shop means everything to me and I would not have it suffer for anything. There is a lot of time and energy involved with traveling back and forth plus rest days and then the amount of work and pressure to catch up would create a tremendous strain. What I need would not be material goods but labor and good health and," she chuckled to herself while shaking her head, "more hours in the day.

"Tell me Lord Reolaras how long will you put off finding more meals? How long are you planning on trying to bind me to this contract? Truthfully."

While he was relieved that it seemed she would agree to such an arrangement, Akakios was wary of how frankly she stated her own reservations. It unsettled him that she seemed so aware of his unspoken plans and he didn't particularly want to answer her question either, he didn't want to lie. "I'm not sure. I don't choose lightheartedly. I've had my fair share of "bad" experiences and I wish to have as few as possible in the future," he explained truthfully.

"I suppose that arrangement will be good, though," he added, not wanting her to think he was ungrateful. "Forgive me for asking, it just seems so obvious to me, but if your work puts such a strain on your life, if you are so very busy and all, why don't you just hire help?" He was genuinely curious, it was what he'd been doing his entire life so that he had the time to enjoy his riches, but it was truly puzzling to him that she seemed so averse to a more time-consuming arrangement seemingly on the basis of having too much to do elsewhere. Perhaps, he assumed, she did not understand the amount of money she could receive for her work with him.

"My work does not put so much strain on my life so much as our arrangement would. While many of my customers would be forgiving of delays there are some in particular that are not. I doubt you would be willing to accept regular delays for my health anymore than the apothecary would. He has already made his displeasure known after my last meal with you and I would rather not undergo that again if it is all the same," Ladybird told him with a level-head, her eyes remaining firmly on his own.

"This shop has been in my family for generations and is our pride and joy. I have been very fortunate not to need any help beyond the occasional looking after by my sisters when I have traveled to collect the more rare flora we have acquired over the years. However, my eldest sister is married and with child while my youngest cares for our elderly parents. It would not be possible to ask them to help on a regular basis and frankly I do not trust the hooligan boys any more than you do." She smiled fondly at the memory of the would-be horse thieves. "Plants are delicate and young boys simply do not understand that. It would just be more work in the end. I know my store may not seem very necessary to you or even in high demand but it is. I don't accept doing less than my best Lord Reolaras, for you or for anyone and it's why I work so hard. Maybe I'm wrong and it's silly of me but it is my passion and I think very few people are lucky enough to find that."

Though she did not seem aware of the information she had provided him with, Akakios was quietly seething now that he was putting the pieces together and realizing it was likely Agehneim, their shared acquaintance, who had bruised her throat in such a way. Whether it was because of her being marked as his food or the delays that feeding had caused, the vampire didn't think either was cause for harming the girl.

"You misunderstand me, I think, Miss Hornwort. You get what you pay for, I know that well enough. Surely you can hire outside of your family or the unsavory brats wandering your streets. If it's a family business it couldn't possibly be the personal touch your customers pay for," he defended, hoping he could get her to realize that passion or not, a flower shop was not hard work. At least in his opinion. "No need to work yourself so hard if they can't tell the difference anyway."

Ladybird nodded her head stiffly, her jaw clenched tightly to keep her tongue from flying out sharply with her anger. She felt offended that he thought her work was easy and something anyone could do especially with the same care and effort she put into her work. It took everything in her not to behave like a child and scream at him, stamping her feet or slapping him.

"I'm afraid I don't understand," she finally responded tightly. "Why wouldn't my clients seek me out over others? I am in business not because I can provide a service but because I provide it well and in select cases better than others. If this is your honest opinion sir then perhaps you should spend a day doing what I do at my standards before you judge me and mine. Or perhaps if all of us are the same then you should be asking someone else to do your gardens. Was I mistaken in believing that you thought me good enough to work for you?"

"Well, there is an art to most work, I believe. I do believe you have talent, especially from your drawings and the way you conduct yourself. I was simply saying that the cultivation and design is where you are....unique. Cutting flowers and arranging them... Well, I feel anyone could do that.

"But that is the opinion of a man who has never done such things so I can entertain the possibility of being wrong," he said honestly with a bow of his head. Leaning to gather up the papers and remaining supplies on the table, Akakios turned to head for the door. "Come with me, please. I much prefer writing at my desk, and now we've two to put to paper." He gestured with his free hand that she should follow as he headed out and for the stairs.

"Ah, I see better now," she declared with her arms loosely crossed over her chest. "You don't understand what it is I really do," the girl commented almost to herself. "Flower arrangement is not all that I do." Ladybird left it at that before following the nobleman to his office. In her mind she was already trying to think up of things she wanted in the second contract as she worried about loopholes that would earn him more chances to feed from her and further disrupt not only her business but weaken her health. At the very back of her mind was a niggling thought though that she had no idea what to ask for in return when she considered material wealth to be so superficial and impractical with what she did for a living.

"Then perhaps one day we can discuss the details of your craft," he suggested honestly. Once settled in his desk and relaxing into the familiarity of it he spent a few quiet moments organizing the papers before he began writing their first contract to detail her authority of the courtyard's reconstruction and the gardens it would contain. "I suppose we may use your drawing as a point of reference for my expectations," he offered, turning the paper towards her and pushing it closer to her across the desk. "Feel free to tell me anything else I should add to this one. Or anything you wish to discuss about it." He set the quill pen down towards her as well before realizing that she could quite possibly lack the education to read or know the meaning of his words. "That is... If you can read the language of contracts. I apologize for assuming, but I would gladly explain it to you if you do not understand it."

Ladybird pressed her lips together in a thin line, understanding that he meant no offense for thinking she might not be able to read. She knew of many of her class who had never had the time or resources to learn and she was quite fortunate.

With a soft smile, she gently picked up the contract and pulled it closer to herself to read while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you but that will not be necessary." Ladybird read slowly in order to clearly understand what she was binding herself to as her lips silently formed the words she was reading.

"Everything seems in order. I see no problems with this," she told him confidently before replacing the contract and retrieving the quill to sign her name effortlessly with her left hand. "A pleasure to be doing business with you Akakios," she said with a smile that lit up her whole face. The woman stood so that she could offer her hand across the table for shaking as the other placed the signed contract back in front of him.

He nodded, watching her calmly as she read it over and eventually signed her name. A bit surprised at the offer of her hand he leaned forward and shook it, smiling in kind as he hummed his agreement. Moving the paper closer to himself, he took the quill back and signed his own name to the document. "A pleasure," he agreed softly, etching the date into the corner of the paper so that he could later recall when it was their contract began.

Setting the first paper aside, he retrieved a new blank piece to begin writing their second contract. "Now this is much more sensitive and personal. At times I think it is only fair I am more flexible with you because this is more of a favor than anything, but I will set our baseline as once per week. My only preference is that you not crowd these days together else it's going to quickly become a feast every two weeks instead of a meal every one," he advised her with a chuckle, lighthearted as he sets words to paper. This time he signed his own name in advance before turning the paper over to her for her own signature. "If there are any changes you wish to make to this arrangement tell me now and be truthful. Will only make it easier in the end. I suppose I should also add the matter of payment to this, should you feel the need to bind that as well."

"Oh believe me, I don't think it would even be healthy for me to bunch the days up together. Once is hard enough I think, no offense," she added with a faint blush. "I have to ask though, if it becomes something that is too difficult for me to travel home the same day as a feeding would that put me in your debt? I don't want to trouble you, but unfortunately I am only human." Ladybird lowered her head in embarrassment that she was admitting to weakness, however she considered it an important question that she was somewhat fearing the answer to. "I understand of course that I still owe you one for your kindness with the doctor."

"Understandable," he agreed, though he was a bit disappointed she seemed to find the act so distasteful. "I'll add it. Here," he prompted, taking the paper back and reading out as he added to the contract in smaller lettering so he had the room for it, "'Any additional rest or medical care required for Miss Hornwort as a result will be provided free of charge and at a location of her choosing when necessary.' Does that sound fine?" he wondered, pushing it back across the desk towards her, daring her to challenge him on the sincerity of his generosity.

"And that would be kind, I suppose, but now I fear it will interfere with whatever...schedule you wish to keep with our contract of once per week. How about we add it on to the end instead? Whenever I do find a replacement I will be provided with one additional session. Fair?"

Ladybird thanked him sincerely."I do not expect to need the medical care though," she said smiling gently. "I think that is asking too much, but I will not argue with you over it. As for my debt it seems that it is a double-edged sword. If that is how you wish to handle it then I am alright with that. I do not wish to deprive you and as much as it hurts my pride to be in debt for an extended period of time whichever you prefer for this specific case is alright with me as long as we agree ahead of time.

"Also to answer your earlier question concerning payment," Ladybird sighed and shook her head. "I suppose whatever you feel is best. I," she sighed again and hung her head, "call me simple but I don't know what to ask for if anything. I trust you as a gentleman to not take advantage of that but I am at a loss. As it comes from you, what would you suggest?"

Happy that they were finally in agreement again he was not willing to sully that over any further discussion on it. "Money is as valuable as anything it can buy," he shrugged. "If you wish to have it, you may. I also have access to many exotic goods, though their delivery can take some time. You may take from anything that becomes available should you desire them instead at any point. Do you have a preference of gemstone?" he wondered, asking the question as if it were as simple as telling him the color of her hair or her place of birth.

"G-g-g-gemtones?" Ladybird sputtered completely dumbfounded. "No, none," she hurried to say while shaking her head in disbelief. The very idea of something so extravagant shocked her. Ladybird never had had a desire for such fancy things when she had always grown up loving her plants and garden. It was more her sisters that desired the finer life than she and for a moment the young woman felt self-conscious that she was not refined enough to enjoy or seek what any other girl would have wanted. She was sure that the nobleman would look down on her for that and prayed it would not affect their other dealings as she worked side by side with him to complete his renovation.

"Perhaps it is just best to wait it out and if I think of something tell you then. I don't mean to be troublesome I just...I am simple and plain." With a sigh and a shake of her head, she retrieved the quill and once more signed her name before sliding the contract back towards him. "Is there anything else you wished to discuss?"

"None? Really?" Akakios could only smile at the look of startled innocence she had, as if she might have been embarrassed to even think about receiving such a gift. He was surprised, most commoners he'd encountered were eager to partake in the finer things, especially around him. "That's fine," he agreed, taking the paper back and reading over it once more to be sure he hadn't forgotten anything. "Ordinary things can be just as valuable. We can certainly wait.

"I think that's it, though." He carefully went to work putting things back in their places before placing their contracts in a drawer of his desk. He dusted off the surface before him with the back of his hand before addressing her again, "Unless you wish to allow me to feed. You can wait if you plan on returning," Akakios shrugged, knowing he would much prefer her to visit again rather than get all of their interaction knocked out at once, but it was her choice to make and he would honor it.

Ladybird chewed on her bottom lip as she mulled over what she still had to do in preparation of starting work on his courtyard. She did not like the idea of having to go and come back so soon but she had an idea that might maximize her time if he was willing to accommodate.

"Are you hungry?" she asked him gently, looking a bit concerned. "There is no need to put it off for the sake of propriety. I know it has been over a week since you last fed from me. With your permission I had wanted to take another look about the courtyard to get measurements while it's still light in order to be better prepared for the work to come but after I could assist you. I do remember now there were some things I wanted to discuss with you about the other tradesmen I will have to work with on this project but if you are not busy and wanted to wait until tomorrow then I can stay," Ladybird said a bit hesitantly as if asking rather than stating.

"It is all up to you of course and I understand that you are quite busy. Please do not take my wishing for a meeting at the last moment as an indication of what is to come. I am usually much more organized to be honest."

"It has," he mused, a bit happier to hear she had some other things to fill their time with and suddenly not feeling the need to be polite about it. "If you can spare me the time, perhaps after sundown or tomorrow, that would be lovely. I am a bit hungry. My work is not so pressing, though. It's true I have much to do, but I have much more time on my hands than most. I can afford to put it off," he explained, glancing out the window to see how much time they might have before he moved to stand.

"Accommodations will always be here for you, though, so long as you're working for me. Feel free to come and go as you please if there is not enough time in a day to finish whatever it is you want to work on," he insisted, hoping she might not feel unwelcome there. "But if you don't mind I'd like to go with you. Not to supervise, just interested in the work."

"Thank you. That's very generous of you. Of course you are more than welcome to join me although I think you'll find my work quite boring," she said with a shy giggle. "We should probably head out now though before I lose the light. I would hate to waste your time."

Suddenly she remembered the second box she had brought with her into his office along with her other papers as she rose from her seat. "Oh! I forgot, I brought back the dress I borrowed, laundered of course," she hurried to inform him while holding the box awkwardly, unsure if she should hand it to him or place it on his desk.

"We'll see. Surely there must be something interesting about it," he teased, not meaning it offensively at all as he rounded the desk to head for the door. He paused though, for the box being held out, giving it a long stare of silence as she explained. "Oh. I see. I assumed you would have kept it. Or thrown it out," he chuckled, though he took the box from her carefully, holding it with uncertainty about what to do with it for a few silent moments before he set it on his desk hoping he would remember to ask Toren to replace it wherever it had been as he did not remember himself and wasn't about to trouble himself with something he was sure the slave knew.

Her thoughtfulness was not lost on him, though, and he felt her respect for his belongings a promising trait as he offered her a smile of thanks. "Thank you, though," he told her hurriedly, not remembering if he'd actually said it yet or not. Clearing his throat, he thought twice of offering his arm to her, unsure if it was desired at all now that their company was firmly established as business. Instead he went for the door to hold it open for her. "Hopefully you will have time, I'm not really sure how long these things take," he admitted.

Ladybird gasped in shock at the casualness of the way he discussed her keeping or trashing the gown she had borrowed. "I would never do something so callous," she breathed worriedly. "I am no thief and it is very beautiful besides." She quietly shook her head, still reeling in disbelief that someone could talk about a dress fit for a noblewoman as nonchalantly as if it were straw doll.

"Um, yes it uh shouldn't take long," the lady-merchant distractedly answered. "At worse I can always finish tomorrow or the next day I'm feeling well enough. It's not complex just a bit of counting."

"Well, you are welcome for as long as you need," he told her honestly, hoping she would not feel so rushed to be away. "I only hope I am not interfering in your other affairs." It was a partial truth, something he cared about but had no hard feelings over if he was being a burden.

Akakios was careful to treat her well, though, being polite and affording her the kindness he treated other women with. Eager to observe her at work, he led her downstairs once more and out to the courtyard at the center of his home. "Are there any supplies you'll be needing today? Or did you bring everything with you?" he wondered.

"I'll manage," Ladybird answered him politely without going into detail about her shop. She did not want to give the impression she could not handle her affairs but nor did she desire to come off as too confident or arrogant. All would be well in time in her opinion and there was no sense lamenting what would need to be done when there were other tasks that still needed completing.

"As for supplies, I'm just going to be doing some basic walkthroughs. The only equipment I'll need for that are a good pair of legs, some concentration for counting, and parchment to write it all down on. I think I have all that covered though so no worries," she assured him with a smile as they stepped out into the courtyard and Ladybird took a deep breath of the evening air.

"Then don't let me keep you, Miss Hornwort," he answered gently, offering a brief smile as he gestured at the expanse of completely unkempt vegetation and dry earth before them. He refused to step out into the dirt for now, choosing instead a small outcropping of stone that stretched from one of the doorways to keep his boots planted to. He observed her almost warily, as if expecting her to bolt at any moment and reveal that it was all a sham and she had not a clue what she was doing.

Ladybird exited right into the courtyard without any hesitation. Like the last time she had been there, she bent down and scooped up some soil to get a feel for its properties before taking a stick and using it to dig slightly in the dirt. Admittedly she was not impressed with the lack of upkeep and while it would be a challenge she was still confident that she could make something wonderful of the place.

Satisfied with what her evaluation, she moved to one of the courtyard corners and began walking at an even pace to the next corner, counting her steps with her hand tapping her thigh to keep her pace. Ladybird walked along each wall in the same fashion before doing it twice more to make sure she had an average of her steps. She then did the diagonals until she had found the center of courtyard and began poking around in the dirt again in circles as she imagined the fountain placed there and how everything would look.

By the time she returned to the exit, the last ray of sun and bled from the sky and she was squinting to see where she was going. She was so focused on what she was doing too, she had forgotten that the nobleman had been there observing her every move.

He watched her, entirely aware of the dying sunlight and the even darker shadowing of the courtyard. It was interesting to him to see her working as he was uncertain of the importance of her actions, the walking making no sense to him or the way she dug up a bit of dirt here and there. Momentarily he stepped inside to call for a lantern to be brought out for him, the soft light illuminating his immediate area but certainly not extending out to where she was working. "You can come back tomorrow, if you need," he reminded her calmly, though he was entirely willing to be patient and wait for her. It was not any trouble to him if she chose to continue wandering around in the dark.

She startled slightly from her thoughts before smiling brightly and dusting off her hands. "No, no I think I've finished for now. I'll have to do some calculations still but I have what I need I believe. Thank you though. I hope you didn't find my work too boring for you."

"Not boring, just curious. I'm used to seeing the results of things like this and not any of the effort going into it," he explained, wary as he watched her dusting her hands off and silently wondering if she was clean enough to go back inside with the way she'd been walking around. "Would you like to...get cleaned up?" he prompted her, gesturing to the door with the lantern.

Ladybird blushed and tried to hide her hands in the folds of her skirts. "Yes actually that would be nice if it's not too much trouble. Then afterwards would you like to have dinner? I'm sure you have other things to attend to. I have monopolized a great deal of your afternoon and I would not wish to keep you further."

Despite her words though all the young woman could think of was how the idea of washing up made her sound like a head of lettuce before it could be served. 'Or perhaps a tomato given what his meals are. How embarrassing! I'm a vegetable!'

"Of course," he nodded in agreement, turning to lead her back inside. "Don't you worry about my time, though. I would not be here if I couldn't afford it," he told her truthfully, not wishing the constant reminders of his work to sully their evening.

"What would you like to eat? Is pork or chicken alright? I know we have quite a lot of that around here," he said thoughtfully, misunderstanding her meaning of dinner and a bit distracted as he tried to think on what his cook might be able to prepare on short notice. He didn't really want to feed her the leftovers of lunch for his slaves.

Her brows shot up to her hairline as her eyes widened the size of dinner plates. "You can eat human food?" she found herself blurting out before she could stop herself. "I mean," Ladybird looked worriedly towards the nobleman as she covered her lips with her fingertips, "forgive me, I did not mean to be so rude. I thought though you were wishing to also begin our other contract tonight," she tried again as her hand slipped from her lips to her scabbing bitemark. "You had mentioned earlier that you were hungry. You needn't trouble yourself about feeding me, Lord Reolaras. I would not be so presumptuous."

He was a little confused, not really seeing a good reason why she should refuse food if she meant to both feed him and stay the night. "Well I am hungry, but you need to eat as well. I don't mind sitting with you. Or you can dine by yourself if you prefer. I don't really eat..."normal" food anymore. I can barely stomach the stuff.

"I would be more comfortable feeding knowing you have eaten already," he told her truthfully, not wishing to treat her badly from the start or leave her to suffer and be hungry the whole night if she retreated and wanted privacy after as she had before. "Please don't deny yourself a meal," he insisted. "Make yourself at home, no need to be modest when you'll be spending so much time here."

"Ah, you're correct, it wouldn't be good for either of us if I didn't although are you sure?" Ladybird briefly wondered if the man even had a cook given the fact that he did not need to human food himself. "I can always make something for myself if it would not offend you. I am not picky about my food choices."

She smiled while biting the corner of her lip slightly. "I must ask though would you find it a bit um unfair or even unappetizing to wait for your meal to eat her own meal?" She giggled at the thought, looking slightly abashed even as her eyes danced with laughter.

"I insist, really. And you will do nothing of the sort. I keep a cook and she would do little else right now otherwise." Her other questions threw him off a bit, though, unsure why it should bother him as he thought it was only the decent thing to do. "No. It doesn't bother me to see others eat the way I used to. It's as natural for you as my way of eating is to me so I don't look down on it." The look on her face earned her a gentle smile, though. It was clear to him that she was a genuinely kind soul and that even in their situation she was trying to put his needs first.

"Don't worry about it. Do you have a preference for anything or shall I just ask her to prepare whatever is quickest? You may continue to use the same quarters from last week... Do you remember the way?"

"Whatever is easiest," she emphasized with a genuine smile. "I really mean it when I say I don't wish to be any trouble. I think I cause you enough already even though you are too kind and too much of a gentleman to say so and admit it."

Her brow furrowed slightly as she thought on his question before she flushed with mild embarrassment. "I have a general idea of where it was but I am afraid I had other things on my mind that night and do not recall the exact room. My apologies!"

"Very well," he chuckled, shaking his head in amusement at her description of him. He personally felt it wasn't very truthful to his character. "I'll take you there, then," he offered, altering his path to head for the foyer and the stairway so that he could leave her to freshen up. "Believe me, though, you would know if you were causing me trouble, Miss Hornwort. I am not generally one to conceal my feelings."

Ladybird smiled brightly. "That makes two of us then. A promising start to our business contracts I believe yes? Honesty and openness are the best business partners. Or at least that's what my father always taught me," she found herself finishing with a quiet mumble. She was kicking herself that she had started to babble and worried he would think her a little fool for it.

"He is very wise then," Akakios chuckled. She was certainly bubbly, a trait he wasn't used to seeing all that often anymore. "We'll get along just fine, I'm sure. Are you quite close with your family?" he fished as he led her upstairs, biding his time and taking them one at a time when his natural stride would have easily carried him much quicker. "Do they know about your business with me?"

She beamed with pride at the praise of her father as she loved the man dearly and looked up to him with all her heart. "Yes," she told him openly. "We love each other very dearly but no I have not told them. I have not seen them since," Ladybird faltered and blushed. "I took some time off from the shop to recuperate and I did not wish to have to explain why I had to close the shop or was unwell. I did not want them to worry when they already do that enough with my other sisters. I would though if you're alright with it like to eventually tell them of the landscaping work I will be doing for you. I think my parents would be very interested to hear how our family business is serving others. However, I do think it best to leave our other agreement between the two of us. They...would not understand I think. I have no desires to feed the rumor mills. You have kept to yourself for many years and I can respect that. I would want the same privacy and running my mouth would give me anything but that. No," Ladybird said with determination, "I will definitely being keeping that to myself."

Her respect for his privacy was a bit surprising. He wondered briefly if she was only trying to gain his trust for some other reasons, but he was grateful at least that she seemed like someone who would not go spreading lies about him. "That's good to know. I appreciate the discretion but feel free to tell your family whatever you wish, I would take no offense to their knowing about our business."

He would leave it for her to decide though, going silent as he at last reached the door to the room she was to occupy and opening it for her after briefly poking his head inside to be sure it was presentable. "Here you are. Please make yourself at home. I'll be back for you shortly. Is there anything you need before I go?"

"Thank you, sir," she said with a slight bob of her head. "As long as there is some water to clean up with then I should be more than suited. Thank you again for troubling yourself. I shan't be long and won't keep you waiting," Ladybird promised brightly before disappearing into the room and leaving the nobleman to do as he saw fit.

Finding the room very much as how she found it the first time she had been given the opportunity to stay there, the young woman was quick to use the small washbasin and pitcher to clean away the dirt that coated her hands as well as refresh her face. A looking glass revealed the state of her hair which was in need of a bit of a brushing to not be quite so frizzy. For several moments she debated over whether or not she should tie it up or not now that Akakios had seen the bruises. In the end she came to a compromise and left it down but this time off her shoulders so that it would not be in his way when he decided to enjoy his own meal.

Akakios left to give her the privacy he'd promised, content to let her handle herself and trusting she would do as she said. He was back downstairs in a flash, informing the cook of his guest and watching with a scrutinous gaze as a couple of his slaves set a place at his table for her, his own chair with nothing before it. Once he was satisfied and had observed the placement of the food as well he was heading back up to retrieve her.

He paused at her door, wondering briefly if he had given her enough time but he decided to knock anyway. She could just say no, right? "Miss Hornwort? Are you ready? Or should I come back in a little while?" he asked, not particularly looking forward to sitting through a meal he would not be partaking in but still feeling obligated to make sure she was comfortable and cared for.

She hurried to open the door as she smoothed out the front of her dress. "Perfect timing," Ladybird declared with a bright smile. "I did not keep you I hope. My hair was giving me trouble," she continued and confided in him. One of her hands nervously reached up to pat the top of it as if worried that it was sticking up. At the same time a small scaled-head poked out from the collar of her dress, having woken up at last and hissed in delight to see the familiar nobleman. The ring-necked snake easily slithered his way down the length of the woman's arm and was soon trying to extend his body outward toward the nobleman in hopes of reaching him.

Her hair? Akakios raised a brow in surprise as he studied her, seeing neither anything spectacular nor disastrous about it. "I see," he commented, though he really did not. The gentle sound of hissing was slightly startling to him but he recognized the small snake immediately. "Oh. You brought him again," he said matter-of-factly. He didn't encourage the small reptile but he did not try to keep him away either.

"Well, shall we?" he prompted her,  turning towards the stairs slightly and eager to get her dinner over with so that he could perhaps enjoy his own.

Ladybird flushed as Fern made his presence known and she tried to latch onto him to get him to behave. The snake was having none of it though as he evaded her and continued to try and lean towards the nobleman even more.

"Yes, I'm sorry is that an issue? He does not usually behave this way as a rule," she informed him while trying to wrangle him and follow at the same time. "Fern quit it," she continued to hiss to the snake as she bounced down the steps. "Usually he just sleeps and keeps himself curled up. I don't know what's gotten into him."

"I don't mind. He's probably just protective of you," he assumed, slightly amused by how flustered she seemed. "As long as he doesn't get in the way of our business." Akakios led her down to the dining room, his eyes swept the table to ensure everything was still in order before he took his seat at the larger chair at the head of it. The long table was certainly meant for far more people occupy it but it was bare except for the setting for her. "Please enjoy. If it isn't to your liking I'll have something else made. No need to be modest about it," he assured her.

"Oh no, Fern would never," she hurried to assure the nobleman. "He's just...I think he likes you to be honest," she admitted while still trying to rein the snake in and take her seat at the table beside Akakios.

When she finally thought she had her familiar settled, Ladybird finally looked at the food then the nobleman with delight. "It smells and looks delicious. I'm sure its perfect. However, you're positive this does not bother you? I know I keep asking but I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable especially in your own home."

Hesitantly she fingered the cutlery beside the plate as she glanced between food and host as if eating would send him into a tantrum because he was not allowed to eat until she did. Fern on the other hand had sneakily unwound himself from her wrist and was carefully slithering his way across the table to in front of where Akakios was sitting in hopes of getting close to the vampire.

"I'm sure we'll get along just fine, then," he chuckled, watching with a raised brow for the small snake wriggling his way over to him. Thinking it was alright since he approached him, Akakios carefully lowered a hand to pet at his scales just behind his head. He watched distractedly for a moment before returning his attention to Petal.

"No, it doesn't," he told her honestly. "Please enjoy. It would hardly be fair for me to invite you to eat and then be uncomfortable about you doing so in front of me. I'll tell you if that changes, alright? Relax," he urged her with a wink and half smile for her benefit. He'd rarely ever seen someone so anxious over partaking in a dinner in his home. Briefly he wondered if she had some fear of the whole idea.

Much like a cat, Fern pressed his head up into Akakios' fingers, hissing softly with pleasure at the gentle touches and even leaning towards the vampire more when he became distracted. Ladybird had not noticed her errant snake though as she instead lowered her gaze and blushed, surprised that she found she liked the nobleman more when he smiled.

Her first bite of food caused a quiet moan to escape her unhindered before she could stop it. The food was indeed as delicious as she had thought it would be and she was embarrassed that she was even so fortunate to have the opportunity to eat such fine cooking.

"It is quite good, thank you," she said, blushing even dark as she spoke between bites. "Best food I've ever tasted."

The small sound of pleasure was a little surprising to him. From what he remembered food wasn't that good. Then again, he often felt similarly about his current method of nourishment, usually reacting as a dehydrated man does to a stream. "The best you say?" he murmured, genuinely surprised at that praise. "My, don't tell Nadalee, she'll get an ego," he chuckled, continuing to pet Fern absent-mindedly and forgetting that Petal did not know his cook.

"I take it you haven't been to many formal affairs, then?" he wondered, genuinely curious and guessing this was a reason as well she praised a simple slave's cooking, even if the woman was quite talented in her own right. "I hear the food is divine, though I don't quite remember it myself." He realized then that he was probably keeping her or at the very least distracting her from eating as she might normally.

"Forgive me, I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to talk. Please enjoy, don't mind me," he dismissed, waving his free hand in gesture before bringing it down to the table to have both hands occupied in lavishing attention on the small reptile.

"Mm perhaps she does deserve a bit of ego-boosting. I would not think she gets very many opportunities to cook as such given your desire for privacy and reclusiveness," she replied easily.  Ladybird found that talking was easing her enjoyment of the meal and found herself relaxing now that he had started talking. "No, I can't say I have. I hope my manners don't offend but yes I must agree this food is divine and I'm not just saying that to please you. I thoroughly enjoy every little bite," she cheekily said with a giggle.

Her eyes though were caught by the movement of his hands though and a shocked glance to her own wrist and back to his hands had the young woman sighing in exasperation. "Oh Fern! Why must you be such a pest? Weasling affection from the host is rude and you know it you little...snake. Forgive us both, Akakios. As I said before he is not usually like this."

"She cooks for everyone who works here," he explained with a slight shrug, thinking that was practice enough for the young woman. "Just not very often for my personal guests, no." He wasn't quite sure if he should be flattered or offended by the mention of his reclusiveness. What the locals thought of him was of little concern to him, but he certainly wasn't an unsocial fellow in his opinion of himself.

"Hm? Oh... I don't mind, I hardly noticed him," he told her truthfully, continuing petting the small animal consciously now and giving the occasional scratching at his chin as if he were dog. "Please enjoy your meal, he's not bothering," Akakios tried to reassure her, glancing down at her plate and the food that remained there. "Do you...eat properly at home?" he wondered, suddenly wondering what her standard of living was as a commoner, businesswoman or not.

She quirked a brow in slight confusion at his question before blushing some more and staring at her food. "Yes of course, just my culinary skills are nowhere near as honed as those of Ms. Nadalee. Let's just say I inherited more of my father's traits than my mother's," Ladybird giggled while continuing her eating.

Wary of prying into his personal affairs but still desiring a continuation of their conversation she wracked her brain for a question that would be innocent enough to keep him talking. "Do you have any hobbies Akakios?" she found herself blurting out much to her embarrassment.

"I see," he sighed, relaxing and satisfied with her answer. At least it was not an issue of poverty keeping her from eating well, something he would have not tolerated while she worked under him. Her question, though, caught him by surprise. For a few moments he simply sat in silence to mull it over. What counted as a hobby?

"I...run my business?" he answered cautiously before adding more confidently, "And I do read a lot. Is that what you're asking about? I suppose I go riding occasionally. Travel, too. Well, mostly to meet with my partners and the odd client.

"I suppose you could call me a collector," he shrugged. "Mostly of books. Do you have a hobby? Or hobbies?"

"Ah so you and I are not that different," she commented. "Or at least we are similar enough on the surface. I doubt we share the same reading interests." Ladybird giggled and shook her head. "I enjoy running the family business and caring for my different gardens. When I'm not working though that's very rare I'm usually reading about plants or traveling to other provinces to collect rarer ones either for a customer or my own personal collection. I suppose that seems quite dull to you though. I know most people do."

He was a bit surprised to hear that she traveled. It wasn't something he heard very often about common folk. "And where have you traveled to? Every other province or just a few? Any of the other lands?" he wondered. "I do quite a lot of traveling myself, it isn't dull at all," he added with a chuckle, his hand idly running his fingers along the grain of the table.

Fern was slightly distressed to lose the attention of one of the nobleman's hands and decided to gently curl himself around the wrist of the one paying him attention, using his head to nuzzle the back of Akakios' hand.

"Many of the provinces but not all of them yet. Perhaps some day soon I will though. I haven't managed to make it to the west coast yet. The farthest I have made it is to Jadenshine province in the riverlands. But, if Kia smiles on me then I'll make it elsewhere soon enough. I have not managed to travel outside of the country yet, no but I think when there is so much to see inside it, I really should enjoy the opportunities I am given rather than long for those yet to come if that makes sense."

"That's very true, there's a lot to see here," he agreed, distractedly moving his hand back to Fern to pet him now that he was curled around his wrist. "I love it, though, it's all quite beautiful. Each in its own way of course. I hope you get to see them more in the future," he told her honestly, smiling softly for all the places and people he knew so well that she probably had not encountered yet.

"I hope you do not travel alone, though. Do your sisters go with you?" he asked. "Or your parents? Or is it just you and this guy?" He gestured with the hand Fern was nestled around.

"Heavens no!" she cried with a laugh. "Fern is trouble enough without dragging those two along. Besides they have people to care for and my parents are older now. If anything they'll keep an eye on the shop for me while I'm gone. It is not as if I go all the time though, just when I'm needed or I can spare some time. You needn't worry about me leaving mid-project on you," Ladybird assured him, assuming that it was actually a concern of his.

"Have you been outside of Serendipity then?"

"I see. Well, I'm glad that you understand the importance of this to me. If you do need to make a trip while working on this, I really would understand. We can postpone our meetings for a week or two if you need to travel for your other customers.

"I have traveled, though. Not to every land but to most. I have visited every province, but I am proud to still call Featherfall my home," Akakios informed her with a confident smile. "Forgive my prying, but is your family native to this province? Or did you come from elsewhere?"

Ladybird smiled as she listened and worked at finishing her food. It did not surprise her that he had traveled though it did make her feel a bit wistful as she too desired to do the things he had already done.

"You must have seen some amazing things then. But, to answer your question, no we've always lived here as far back as we can remember. Our family is old yet simple and it suits us just fine. Why do you ask? Have you met someone else of my family before?"

"A Hornwort? Honestly, the name doesn't strike me at all," he told her honestly. "Which is very strange. My family was native to the province as well. This very house was my brother's, and my father's before him. But if your family does not know mine it is no mystery to me," he chuckled, a hidden smile there. "I have far outlived whatever generation might have known me or any of my family.

"Are you...full?" he questioned gently, not wanting her to feel rushed or think that she was eating too much or too slowly. "I'm only curious, I can almost never tell a woman's appetite," he laughed.

She was surprised to hear that he had lived so long yet she refrained from commenting for fear of being rude. His query towards her appetite did make her giggle though. "Are men's appetites all so similar then that a woman's then becomes a mystery?" she teased even as she dabbed at her mouth and placed the napkin down.

"Yes I am quite finished thank you. It was perfect but I could not eat another mouthful. My apologies for keeping your own dinner waiting though. Umm," Ladybird found herself faltering as to what to say. Despite her upbeat attitude she was really starting to feel like a breakfast tray on its way to the master for devouring.

Akakios furrowed his brow, a bit concerned even as he admired her table manners. "Are you only saying that because I brought it up?" he wondered, eyeing the bit of remaining food on her plate. "You can eat if you'd like, you're not keeping me if that's your concern.

"Or did you just want to get it over with?" he asked, his voice dropping a bit in disappointment that her obligation might be a bigger burden than it had seemed to him before.

"Neither!" Ladybird cried emphatically, her own brow furrowed as her cheeks reddened with what she took as a personal affront. "If I ate another bite I would be ill and no matter how much I may enjoy your company I would not like to make you wait if you are hungry. I offered out of courtesy to you but if you are so insulted then perhaps we were too hasty with the making of our contract and need to reevaluate it," she offered while feeling like crying. His tone made her feel as if she had been slapped in the face when all she had intended on doing was helping and being kind. To have someone think otherwise practically broke her heart.

Her response surprised him, especially the passion in it. He lowered his eyes, humbled by her taking offense to it. "I didn't feel insulted," he sighed, hoping he sounded sincere enough. "I apologize Miss Hornwort, I am not accustomed to people offering themselves...willing for this," he explained gently, carefully rising from his seat with Fern still held gently in one hand. He offered the other to her, meaning to help her up and not wanting to soil the experience any more than it already had been.

"Let's put this behind us, I was rash," he apologized again. "If you're ready, so am I."

Ladybird readily took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze of assurance as she rose to her feet. She nodded her head to him in acknowledgement as her soft smile soon returned to her face. "I meant what I said," she told him gently. "When you are ready."

"Well," he huffed, hastily dropping his hand away from her as he took a few steps away to distance himself. "I suppose it would be best if we go somewhere more...private. Or at least more comfortable. Wouldn't want you having painful memories here," he told her honestly, gesturing at the table absently as he headed for the door, though he paused awkwardly just before the stairs. "Uh...would you like your snake back?" he asked, holding out the hand Fern had secured himself around.

She tried not to wince as he dropped her hand like trash. "That is very considerate of you to take my comfort into account. Thank you," she commented as she followed behind him although she paused as he stopped and offered Fern back to her. With a sigh she reached to take him back. "My apologies for him troubling you. He should not trouble you while you have your meal I assure you."

"He's no trouble, really," he tried to assure her. "I just...feel things would go smoother if he wasn't occupying one of my hands. Shall we?" Without waiting to hear an answer Akakios was already hiking up the steps and following the familiar way to his own quarters.

Opening the door for her he motioned at the sitting area off to the side. "Please have a seat. I think it would be easier for you to not be standing." Akakios hovered, though, waiting and not wanting to take up her time with idle chatter when he knew he would be upon her shortly.

Ladybird did not mean to hesitate but the moment she recognized the room they were entering as a bedroom, she found herself freezing in the doorway like a frightened deer, unable to turn back and unable to continue forward.

She averted her gaze from the bed to the floor as her cheeks flamed with embarrassment at the thoughts the room had left her with. Seating herself in the indicated area, Ladybird nervously glanced his way.

"Forgive me but um which," she motioned to either side of her neck, trying to ask how he wanted to feed from her.

He was surprised that she suddenly seemed so flustered, his brow raising slightly in concern for the abrupt change. "The...other side? I would not want to pain you with cutting open old wounds," he told her gently, honest with his words as he approached her. He hesitated himself, though, uncertain where he wanted to land as he stood before her and found himself just staring at her.

"If I may," he breathed, the soft words her only warning as he bent to grasp her shoulders. Akakios tried not to drag her forward but he was not his gentlest as he pulled her closer, a hand unceremoniously sweeping her hair back before he hungrily bit into her unblemished shoulder.

She had barely a breath to say "of course," before he was upon her and roughly biting into her. Unlike the first time she did cry out in both pain and surprise, not even trying to muffle the sound as the pain seemed to race through her faster this time. Part of her wondered briefly if some of it was because she knew what to expect so it was less shock and more immediate pain.

Nevertheless though her hands gripped the armrests of the chair so tightly Ladybird could feel the ridges in the wood making her hands go numb. She feared latching onto him like the last time as she dared not maul another of his shirts while in the throes of severe fiery pain. Instead she leaned forward to be closer to Akakios. No matter how much it hurt she would show him she could keep their contract and would not recoil.

Her cries were not a surprise but they did startle him slightly, the vampire more accustomed to quieter victims and taken aback by how vastly different her reactions were. Still, he did not hesitate in his feeding. It would only make her pain worse to draw it out if he needed to stop and bite her again, so he took what he needed at what he could only guess was a torturous pace.

His tongue moved gently against her shoulder, his touch the caress of a predator instead of a lover, savoring everything he could squeeze from her. There was a certain clarity to regular feedings that was not often bestowed upon him. It was not with a desperate frenzy that he fed but steadier, more practiced hands.

His grip gradually loosened upon her, no longer afraid of her trying to run as she leaned in to be closer to him. Instead, he slipped his arms around her as he knelt closer. He pressed a knee beside her thigh to sandwich between her body and the arm of the chair to support himself, though he heard the floor groan under the added weight. Sated at last, he slowly retracted his fangs from her as he held her in a supportive hug while lapping at what wept from her wounds. "Thank you," he murmured sincerely. "Sorry about that."

Akakios was quickly righting himself, dragging his knee off the chair to give her space and fluidly letting his arms fall away from her as he stood up straight. He licked his lips slowly as he looked between her face and her freshly bitten shoulder, savoring the remaining taste as he offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "How do you feel? ...Hurting?"

"No problem," she reflexively replied while trying to take deep, steadying breaths. His touch had not escaped her attention even through the haze of pain she was battling. Her heart was racing and she tried to blame it on the rigors of being fed from rather than the room and the closeness of a male supporting her in a time of weakness.

Ladybird tiredly leaned back in the chair again while answering him with a slight shrug and a closed-eyed tilt of her head to the left as if to say "yes but it is as expected." She was trying not to focus or think about it in order to soldier on through the fires.

"Will it be enough for you? I would not wish you to suffer."

Akakios could only stare at her, blinking in confusion for her answer. She looked so weak and spent and yet her questions seemed so sincere. It was a strange sensation to have a "victim" worry over his own health and well-being at such a time. "Yes, thank you. I feel fine. Great," he answered, strength gradually returning to his voice as he tried to mask his surprise.

"I don't need as much if I feed frequently," he explained again. "I'm sorry if I took too much the first time, but it will be more like this from now on." As if that should make her feel better about it. "Would you like to rest now?" he wondered, glancing to the door as he thought on helping her, something that should have been common sense but he had fallen out of habit of offering in his years.

She nodded her head slightly, her eyes still lethargically closed as she tried to get herself in order. Ladybird felt dizzy enough that she feared standing and her legs betraying her to give out right under her.

"You must forgive me," she sighed, pressing her hand against her brow. "I am...I'm going to need a moment. I'm sorry," Ladybird paused to gulp back a wave of pain before continuing in an even softer voice, "I don't mean to keep inconveniencing you."

"Take your time," he insisted, gesturing even as he knew her eyes were closed. "Don't worry about it, I understand if you're feeling...uneasy," he guessed, slowly backing away from her to give her space. Akakios turned and crossed the room to wash his face, hoping that having his back turned to her would offer her at least some sense of privacy while his ears remained alert. The gentle sound of sloshing water filled the room as he busied himself, the man pleased to see no signs of blood within the bowl.

Ladybird let out a heavy sigh before taking a deep breath and trying to settle herself. A few more later and she was able to open her eyes and try to stand. The world seemed to tilt and spin on her slightly but she was stubborn enough to grip the back of the chair she was sitting in and continue to remain standing.

"Thank you for your patience. I am still not quite used to the after-effects," she commented gently as if it was something one could get used to to begin with.

Akakios looked at her over his shoulder for a moment, staring silently before he reached for a cloth to dry his face. "I'm sorry that it seems to be quite bad for you," he told her honestly, approaching her again and eyeing the hand that gripped the chair. "Would you like it bandaged?" he asked gently.

She gingerly touched her wound with her free hand, then shook her head. "If it does not bother you, I would prefer not to. It seems to have stopped bleeding. I'm sure if I'm careful there shouldn't be any problems. I'll be out of your hair now though. You have been plenty generous with your time and I would hate to use up anymore of it. Thank you, Lord Reolaras," she spoke earnestly, inclining her head ever so slightly as she feared making herself dizzy or ill again.

He was a bit disappointed at how eager she seemed to leave him. It was going to take some time to get used to not spending time with his source of food in ways beyond business and obligation. "It is you who has been generous, but...you're welcome," he answered her, not wanting to appear ungrateful for her words of thanks and praise. "I take it that means you don't want me to walk you to your room? You remember the way?"

"It is not that I do not wish you to escort me as I would gladly welcome your company," she hurried to reply. "I just do not want to keep a busy man from his work with caring and looking out for a simple, little flowershop girl."

Ladybird continued to smile with tired amusement. "Please don't take offense at my choice of words as I am not in as complete control of my mental facilities as I would like to be. If you have the desire and time to spare I would enjoy it but if you do not then I believe I can find my way back and I will leave you to your business."

"Business doesn't happen here," he scoffed, glancing to his bed. Quickly realizing what he was implying, though, his cheeks were flushed as he scrambled to correct himself. "Until today. You, I mean. What I mean is... My business doesn't happen here. I try to limit it to my study.

"I have nothing but time," he conceded. "Allow me." Akakios stepped past her to open the door, looking over his shoulder to make sure she was still with him. He waited so that he could attempt to fall into step with her to lead her down the hall, but he quickly found his stride was almost painfully short for doing so. "Humans are so short," he remarked quietly, his tone of interest rather than disgust. "But I suppose I was one once."

Ladybird stared at him in dumbfounded surprise at what he accidentally implied. Despite the feeding she even managed to blush and drop her gaze as thoughts of what could have gone on in the room began to invade her mind. A shake of her head that left her somewhat dizzy tossed them aside though as she had no intention of thinking of the nobleman in the privacy of his rooms or any room for that matter.

She crossed the room with care to reach him, struggling to maintain a steady walk when all she wanted to do was curl up and hide away from her pain. His comment drew her away from her thoughts though so that Ladybird found herself staring up at the nobleman in confusion.

"Did the change offer you a sudden growth spurt then?" she genuinely before she could stop herself.

"No, nothing like that," Akakios chuckled, a genuine smile at his lips for the silliness of what he'd unintentionally implied. "I am exactly the same as I was when I was turned. Physically at least. Perhaps it's that you are a woman," he mused. "Or perhaps the years have just brought about a shorter population.

"Maybe my family was just taller to begin with," he laughed, tilting his head slightly to look at her better. His eyes were alive with interest but inside he was just playing his part in the game. He had no doubts at all that there would come a day where she could not take it anymore, no matter how well she brushed it off for the moment.

Petal seemed strong to him, a woman hardened by her work and certainly less fragile than the other women he'd kept under contract in his years. All eventually turned him away, denied him what he'd felt was rightfully his, denied him his sanity and kept him starved for the sake of their pain. It was his silent job in this, in his eyes, to keep her entertained, convinced, and feeling obligated towards him. His experience had already told him that no contract in the world would keep women in her position from eventually breaking their oath.

With a distracted glaze over his eyes Akakios finally paused at her door and swept it open for her. It looked the same as it had before and he was satisfied enough with that. "Is there anything you need?" he asked, continuing on to offer, "I could have someone bring you more blankets if you tend to get cold."

She giggled softly at his musings. Although his reference to the "years" made her desperately desire to ask how old he was to be making such comments as it was not his first as far as she could remember. Propriety alone stilled her tongue.

"No, thank you. Really you have been too kind already. If I remember correctly there should be an extra blanket in the chest still. Is there anything I can do for you, Akakios? I feel as if you have done so much for me than I have been able to do for you today. I hope that once I start progressing more with the courtyard that I will be able to be of much more use to you. I must admit I am not accustomed to feeling so helpless and useless."

She surprised him with what she said, the vampire certainly feeling she'd been quite generous today, contractually obligated or not. "I...don't believe so," he struggled to answer, unused to being the person offered. "Please don't overestimate me, though. It is simply good manners to feed and house a guest, especially when you have traveled to be here. I know it is not just a walk down the path," he told her with a gesture at the window and the road that could be seen near the treeline beyond it.

"You have helped me immensely," Akakios told her sincerely. "Truthfully, your blood fills a much more immediate need than your skills in gardening, but all of it will be greatly appreciated. And I will ensure you are paid appropriately for your services." He made a mental note to be sure he sent her home with a bit of coin, not wanting her to think he would deprive her of pay to get what he wanted.

"Please make yourself at home, though. You may use this room and come and go as you please until this project is finished, if you ever find yourself with any extra time to spare on it. I'll be sure my cook knows you'll be here for breakfast tomorrow," he promised her, bowing his head slightly as he pushed off from the door and stood up straight, preparing to leave her and certain that he'd said enough of a good night.

Ladybird returned his bow as best as she could given the way her knees were feeling as if they would give out at a moment's notice on her. Just as he was making to leave though a thought gave her pause and had her calling softly after him.

"Forgive me, Akakios! Will I be seeing you tomorrow? After I have had a bit of time to compose my thoughts, I feel I may have some questions to discuss with you concerning our project. Would you be open and available for such a thing or should I come back at a later date to discuss matters?"

He stopped and leaned back, having already taken a step away, and returned to where he had been in the doorway. "Of course. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere," he nodded, sending her a teasing wink, "We can speak over your breakfast if you'd like. Or after if you would prefer. I will be awake regardless," he chuckled, hoping it would be enough to answer her question.

"Ah, thank you. You are too kind! Have a pleasant evening then," she bid him as she clutched the door tensely before closing it and sliding down it in pain. Ladybird bit back the cry of pain she had been fighting. Then, when she has able to, she dragged herself to the bed and buried herself under the pile of covers to fall into a deep, pained sleep.

Akakios got very little sleep that night, but not for lack of trying. Feeding left him with a gloriously antsy feeling, as if he suddenly came upon a reserve of energy. He spent most of the darkened hours in his study instead, reading over the items he'd last left on his desk from the dim light of a candle. Once he realized he wasn't squinting at his papers anymore he looked up with a slight panic to see that the sun was rising. He hadn't spoken with the cook yet, but he hoped that Petal would be too tired to be up at such an hour.

Hurrying downstairs the nobleman saw to the arrangements he'd wanted to make for her before returning to his quarters. The last thing he needed was for her to see him with a single hair of place, or so he thought having forgotten that she had already seen him soaked by rain. He spent a considerable amount of time primping and dressing himself nicely so that he could be presentable to speak with her and see her off once their business was tied up. A contract didn't mean that his work on her was done.

Unlike her first night in Reolaras Manor, Ladybird was able to sleep the night despite her pain. But, it was far from a restful sleep and she woke feeling completely drained and weak. Every nerve ending in her body felt raw so that even the act of breathing that moved the blankets slightly, caused ripples of fiery pain in their wake. She dared not move too much for fear of paralyzing pain. Not even the thoughts of food or her meeting were dragging her from the bed as she laid on her side, facing the room in a dazed state.

He waited patiently, busying himself downstairs instead of holed up in his study. Akakios was unaccustomed to waiting on others, but it was not above him in the least. Seeing the sun rising high in the sky and not hearing a peep from or seeing her at all he had half a mind to send Toren up to fetch her. But no, that wouldn't be right.

Akakios paced his home, determined to not disturb her even as his resolve deteriorated the later it got. Finally, he decided. It was late. Something was wrong. He marched himself upstairs and gave a short series of knocks at her door, though he stopped himself from entering. "Are you still in there, Petal? Miss Hornwort?" he called.

Ladybird groaned quietly and tried to drag herself up into a sitting position. "I am here," she called back to him, her voice sounding as raw as her throat felt dry and scratchy. She hastily ran a hand through her hair, wincing as every strand screamed in individual pain.

"Forgive me for not getting the door but you may enter." She was kicking herself mentally as soon as the words escaped. 'Inviting a man into a room in his OWN house, brilliant suggestion you idiot!'

He was surprised to hear such an immediate response from her and cautiously entered at her permission. "I assume you are decent," he called warily, though his eyes softened when he saw that she certainly was. "Tired?" he guessed, giving her a knowing and apologetic half-smile as he approached her bedside.

She refrained from responding, not wanting to show anymore weakness than she already was by being abed when he came calling. "Forgive me for keeping you waiting, Akakios. It was not my intention to waste your time last night when I asked if we could meet and discuss things. It is very kind of you to come and check on me yourself."

"Do not worry yourself, it was no waste of my time. I just thought you might have...needed more rest. This is all still quite new to you, after all. At worst, I feared you may have succumbed to your wound," he explained, hissing sharply and shaking his head at the notion. "But you seem quite well. Quite well for someone in your position at least. Does it...pain you?" he pried.

"Some," she replied honestly if a bit modestly. "Did you have a good evening and," Ladybird glanced towards the covered window, wondering just how long she had managed to sleep and waste the day, "morning?"

"And afternoon," he teased, chuckling for her uncertainty. "But yes. I feel...well. You've given me my strength back and I thank you for that," he told her sincerely. "Are you hungry at all? Or would you prefer to rest?"

Ladybird blushed darkly at his teasing, dropping her gaze to her hands as she played with the edge of her comforter. "I am glad I was able to help and you are feeling more yourself. But oh dear," she cried realizing she had not eaten. "Your poor cook! I must have caused her so much trouble by missing breakfast. I am so, so sorry," she told him sadly, biting her lip worriedly.

"I should really get up and not be so lazy," she stated aloud as she hurried to follow suit, pushing the covers aside to try and slide out of bed. Ladybird did not readily notice the way her dress from the night before had ridden up in her sleep and was displaying a great deal of leg to the nobleman while she painfully tried to steady herself with the bed-frame and her knees shook to not give out from under her.

"Don't apologize," he laughed, entirely shocked that she saw such wrong in herself for denying the cook an eaten breakfast. "I'm sure the younger ones have long since eaten what was left and- Oh. No. No, no, you really don't have to at all, really," Akakios insisted, his eyes quickly drawn to the expanse of unblemished skin she revealed to him. The nobleman said nothing, his eyes lingering appreciatively before standing and trying to block her way.

"Please sit, there is no reason to hurt yourself for pride," he guessed. "No one will think poorly of you needing rest. Shall I have food brought up to you?"

She wavered between dropping back to the bed and forcing herself to stand until her knees buckled and Ladybird was left with no choice but to flop ungracefully back onto the bed. "It is not pride by work that requires me to not be a lazy slug! I cannot do what is expected of me if I continue such slovenly habits," Ladybird protested feeling completely ashamed by her body's self-perceived weakness.

"I still have things to discuss with you and ask you and it would not be proper to do so in bed."

He was pleased that she seemed to listen, at least for the moment. "A habit is not made in a day," he pointed out. "You may speak freely with me, I have no qualms about moving our discussions to your bedroom while you have need of it. There is very little you could say or do that would ever make me think any less of you for not going out," he tried to assure her, sitting down once she was settled once more.

"But it is easily broken in as few," she replied, still unhappy that her legs had failed her. With a regretable sigh, Ladybird glanced at the expanse of bed behind her with its fluffy pillows that all but begged her to once more lounge in their comforting embrace. She doubted though she go get away with that much impropriety though and little by little scooted herself back to tuck herself back under the covers, once more hiding the flashes of leg that peeked out now and again with her movements.

"If it truly would not bother you then I am willing to conduct the rest of our business discussion here until I am better."

Akakios observed her appraisingly as she made her adjustments, his lips bearing a small smile once she was hidden again even as his eyes flashed a bit of disappointment. "Excellent," he agreed, clasping his hands together thoughtfully. "Shall I have lunch brought up for you as well?" he wondered. "Or have you no appetite?"

Already embarrassed to have to conduct business in bed, Ladybird could not bring herself to accept food in bed as well like some pampered princess. "I'm alright thank you," she tried to assure him even as her stomach made soft rumblings beneath the blankets.

Trying to cover for it, she jumped right into discussion of their business. "Before we get started were there any concerns or questions you had for me that you've thought of since yesterday?"

Akakios just let her words wash over him, hardly hearing a thing she said as he narrowed his eyes at her with disappointment for her perceived play at modesty and politeness. He'd been around enough of his victims afterwards to know most were desperately hungry after a feeding. He scrutinized her in silence before grumbling something to himself and standing without answering her question.

Instead, the tall man rose and shook his head gently as he went to the door to call over a slave to give his instructions to. Once he'd sent the woman away he not-so-gently shut the door and returned to sit at the edge of her bed. "You will have the option to eat, I will not force you, of course, but it will be brought for you. Do not turn away my hospitality again," he warned her before quickly adding, "Please."

And then a gentle chuckle left his lips as he smiled at her as if the interaction hadn't happened at all. "I suppose my only concern is your health, Miss Hornwort. If you intend to visit once a week and feed me then as well how do you expect to get any work done? Or am I to watch my promised from a distance until she is ready for me?" he teased, leaning forward slightly and brushing a hand against her arm through the covers.

Ladybird flushed with indignation and anger. She took his seemingly forced hospitality as an insult as surely she knew her own body than any other. The fact that he would then almost threaten her if she was any judge of tone, made her bristle like a tomcat. She desperately wanted to snap at him that he should not ask her what she wanted if he was just going to do what he felt like in the end anyway.

Instead, she kept her thoughts to herself for the sake of the continued good health of their business together. "Leave such concerns to me," Ladybird responded a bit more bitingly than she had meant to, even wincing at the sound of her own voice as she pulled her arm away from him. His familiar touch made her uncomfortable especially as through the ebbing fog of pain she struggled to remember if anywhere in their contract she had agreed to marriage or something of the like.

"For much of the beginning I will be more overseeing than actually participating in the labor. I should be able to get adjusted by the time I am needed for the finer and more important details. It is actually this that I wanted to speak to you about," she pressed on, removing her arms from under the blankets so that the covers tucked in around her waist. "Did you have specific individuals that you wanted me to work with for the different necessary tasks or did you wish me to find suitable individuals?"

"I suppose that is fair," he agreed, nodding and removing his hand once he saw it was unwanted. "No, there is no one in particular, but if you wish you may take a few of my slaves to do the manual labor," he suggested. "Or hire anyone of your choosing so long as they are not your precious horse thieves." He chuckled slightly for that, leaning away from her to give her a sense of perceived space even as he remained on the bed. "I would not mind either way," he told her distractedly, watching as a small tray was brought and set at the table beside the bed before his slave shuffled back out again to resume her regular duties. Akakios said not a word of thanks but gestured suggestively at the tray while meeting Petal's eyes.

"Ah," she paused, not liking the idea of slave labor but unwilling to say otherwise. "I mean more for the craftsmanship details such as the stonework and woodwork, unless of course there is someone in your employ that is capable of such things. I certainly am not-

"Thank you," Ladybird greeted the woman warmly, with a ready smile, completely ignoring the way that Akakios gestured towards the food. She worried about embarrassing herself with unsteady hands and so continued with their discussions instead. "If however, you have idle hands to spare I would welcome those that could assist with the heavy lifting and digging. I would not wish to make you wait extra just to have me personally do it all."

"Probably no craftsmanship," he scoffed. "Plenty who should keep busier than they do, though, so perhaps just with the heavier labor," he agreed, nodding in acknowledgement. "I would not wish to strain you anymore than you will be on your own...with this and our other agreement.

"Perhaps professionals should be called forth to do the more...design-intensive work, if you know of anyone you would recommend or like to work with. I have no problem with it and I will pay for their fees and travel should they need it," he offered.

She nodded her head in understanding. "Then I will make some inquiries on your behalf and see what I can do. I'm afraid though my connections are probably quite limited in comparison to your own. Nevertheless I will still strive to provide you with the best. I expect some of this to take some time but letters and things can be written and worked on while I recover so there is no lack of production or hold up even as I heal. I do believe that if you are willing, a clearing away of the dead vegetation can begin in preparation for further work."

Tentatively, Ladybird started to reach out to try and grab her tray of food but found that her trembling hand would make it impossible to pick anything up without making an embarrassing mess. She let her hand fall to her lap though as she realized just how bad the tremors were. Then, reaching out again, she plucked the small plate with some fresh bread on it and with two hands placed it carefully in her lap. The still steaming stew would just have to wait until Akakios had left for Ladybird to attempt to move and eat. For the moment though she rested her arms as the effort had felt incredibly draining and she still wanted to try and keep any mess from the bed.

"I can certainly arrange that, that all sounds fine with me," he agreed, pleased that they could talk civilly and come to an agreement. "And I will trust your contacts, though if you wish to utilize my own I would not be opposed to it. Or if you find no one suitable. Just say the word and I'll see who I can find."

He watched her reaching for the tray, her hesitance, the slight tremble to her hand as she finally brought a plate and bread to her lap. "I hope it is good," he bid her, bowing his head slightly as he inhaled. "It smells fresh at least.

"Was that all, Miss Hornwort?"

Ladybird blushed as he drew attention to the food and mumbled a quiet word of thanks as she pulled out part of the softer inside where it would leave fewer crumbs and raised it to her mouth slowly to nibble delicately on. The taste was delightful and she was grateful for its softness as it meant she did not have to chew so much as let it dissolve in her mouth and swallow.

"Petal," she responded meeting his eyes. "If we are to do business I would prefer to be called Petal if it is all the same to you Akakios." Ladybird emphasized his name slightly, reminding him that he had given her the same permission if it meant they both addressed each other on the more familiar grounds.

His eyes flickered with surprise but he quickly corrected himself, smiling gently for returning to the informality he preferred to conduct around his victims. "Of course, Petal," he agreed. "In business we are equals and it reflects as such. I only hope you never feel...disrespected. It is the opposite. I greatly respect and appreciate your acceptance of my proposal. You are a very selfless woman," he praised her, though he felt she might have been modest about accepting money and might have been silently eager for payment. It did not matter to him, so long as she was kind and empathetic concerning his plight.

"Is there anything else I may get for you?"

She did not believe that he meant the praise he gave her but she accepted it all the same with a humble nod and a smile. Her smile turned hesitant though as she looked at him nervously. "Actually there is one other thing if it's not asking too much. I thought some last night on what to ask you for payment and if you're not opposed to it, would it be possible for this particular compensation to have access to your library? I'm specifically interested in books on plants and the apothecary sciences if that is at all possible. I apologize if I am being too presumptuous in asking. I can understand that it's a lot."

It was such a simple thing she had asked for but Akakios was pleased nonetheless. It was something he felt he'd already granted her access to even if he'd never said so specifically. Having something non-monetary to pay her with was a godsend. The books would have only been gathering dust otherwise. "Oh certainly," he agreed. "Not too much at all, please do not worry. You may have free access to my collection. Any book in my house," he specified, not wanting her to think even the few he kept in his study would be off limits to her should she find use of them. "And any time you wish to borrow them. Would you like to take a few home for the week?" he wondered.

"Thank you, that would be ideal!" she told him excitedly, her face lighting up at the idea of being able to learn some new things about her craft. "I'll take good care of them of course." Her smile was large and genuine for as a lover of books and the earth there was nothing more wonderful for her than access to a rich man's library.

Feeling it was important to inform him despite being told she could do as she pleased, Ladybird informed him of her plans. "I am hoping to leave either this evening or first thing in the morning, weather and health permitting. If there is anything else you wished to speak of or think of before I go I am more than happy to discuss it. I still need to finish my calculations for the measurements before I can start sending letters of inquiry out regarding some the details I cannot handle. I will also need to discuss some of what we have planned with my-associate," she floundered, nearly saying her father but wishing to appear a bit less like a daddy's girl and more of a professional woman. "He may have some additional input which I will of course relay back to you as you see fit."

"I see. Well, I will leave you to your work, then. There are probably some spare clothes if you would like to change," he gestured at the wardrobe, "Any of my slaves could fetch you anything else you might need or want as well. Please do not feel shy about telling them. There are those I favor to be sure but everyone here besides myself, and you of course, belongs to me. You would not be stepping on any toes, as it were." Akakios rose from the bed, careful not to jostle the seating of her plate on her lap as he did so.

"If I may say, though, my knowledge of my books is probably more extensive than any of theirs. I will see what I can find for you for now, but you are free to peruse the rest at your leisure," he bid her, turning to leave to leave the room. "Please enjoy the rest of your meal."

Ladybird bowed her head in thanks before verbally bidding him the same. She was both grateful and uncomfortable with the idea of using slaves to do her bidding but she was not about to argue with the man of the house when he was doing so much to aid her in her time of weakness and need.

"Have a good day Akakios. I am sorry that I cannot get up to see you out."

Akakios's mood was brightened considerably from his time with her, but he was certain it was merely because of his comfort with her as his source of food. He was not hurried in retrieving the books for her, taking his time in checking his collections in the various rooms of his home. He carried a small stack of books with him back up to her room, uncertain how quickly she might get through them.

Announcing himself with a gentle knock, the nobleman entered cautiously, ready to shield his eyes for her sake if she had not been decent. "I found a few you might like. I noticed a few about poisons so I got those for you, too. I hope that falls in the realm of what you were looking for, but you don't have to read them all, of course."

While the nobleman searched for her, Ladybird worked at eating as slowly as possible so as to not further injure herself or spill the delicious food. It was frustrating but in the end she managed and she was quite pleased with herself once the dishes had been returned empty and whole to the tray.

By the time Akakios had returned she was curled up against the headboard with the covers pulled up to her shoulders and she was only half-awake. His knock caused her to open her eyes tiredly but she made no effort to lift her head from its resting position against her shoulder and the headboard.

"Thank you," she greeted him softly with a faint curling of her lips. "I'm sure it's perfect." More to herself than him she added, "Agehneim should appreciate those additions as well, I'm sure. He's always asking about some poison or another.

Ladybird found herself hurrying to cover her mouth as she yawned broadly. "Forgive my rudeness, I am more tired than I expected. It is very generous of you to retrieve these for me personally though. You did not have to and so quickly either. Thank you."

"Well, I am certainly a cause of some of that. I apologize for the additional work, but please, just enjoy. I am not in a hurry to run you out," he chuckled, scooting her tray to the end of the table and setting the stack of books closest to the bed.

"It was only right. I will let you get your rest now. Thank you for what you've done." Akakios bowed his head to her slightly, turning to leave her once more as he straightened.

She smiled sleepily, her eyes already closing without her direction as she nodded after him. "Have a good day Akakios. Will I be seeing you again or have I already monopolized enough of your time for one weekend?"

Her question had him realizing a hope that had entered his thoughts: perhaps Petal wanted to see him for reasons outside of her employment. Akakios paused in the doorway, his hand upon the heavy wood as he looked back at her over his shoulder. "If you are well enough you are free to come see me whenever you wish. If you need more rest, though, I would be happy to see you again. Would you like me to visit you tomorrow?"

"Thank you," she breathed tiredly. "But, I expect to be better by tomorrow and if I have my way tonight even. There is no need for you to make special visits though. I would hate to be a nuisance. You really are too kind to me. I don't think I deserve it even if you do say I'm helping you."

"I would not offer if it was troublesome," he pointed out. "And, to be quite frank with you, I prefer to keep a close relationship with those who feed me. It is not enjoyable to drink from an anonymous or disinterested party, so I am glad that you tolerate me." His lips twitched into a playful smile at that and he removed his hand from the door hoping he had not appeared so eager to part with her. "Do you really think yourself a nuisance here?" he asked curiously, uncertain about why she'd mentioned such a thing.

She sighed softly in amusement, blinking slowly at him as she did so. "Aye, for I am but a common woman and nothing more than a hired hand who is being treated just short of royalty it seems in a nobleman's house. I don't know of anywhere else where the man of the house would personally see to the needs of his lowly guest and with such outward care and concern. I understand what you say about the intimacy of your habits but still I cannot but help thinking other vampires might not be as considerate."

He was not surprised by what she'd told him but it confirmed to him that he was her first interaction with his kind. "I'm sure we all are, in our own ways. Perhaps other men think too highly of themselves," he joked, knowing his care of her was not without reason.

"And perhaps you lack confidence in yourself. Or others have not treated you with much respect. A guest in my home is always an honor, no matter the source. I am not lazy, and I certainly hope you never thought me as such," he laughed, turning fluidly to approach her bedside once more. "But I am not above seeing to the needs of my guests, especially when it is something I am familiar with. My slaves are merely servants here and while most are extremely capable I cannot impress personal touches without doing any of the work myself.

"Otherwise, I think it would be difficult to catch the lady's eye," he admitted, giving her a sly wink as his lips lifted to show a brief flash of fang.

Her eyes opened fully as she lifted her gaze enough to meet his. "And why would you want to do that?" she asked him with a playful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Though I must say I have believed you to be anything but lazy. Why else do you think I always worry about taking about your time? I must keep you from so many other things you could be doing."

"My affairs are not time-sensitive, generally. I oversee much but rarely have my hand in my business. Cleaner that way, I think. It is the business of my estate that I prefer to see to personally, and that's where you come in," he explained, chuckling and running a hand thoughtfully along the pattern of her quilt.

"If you were not here I would only be holed up in my study to read and write and do what I do every other day. You are a break from monotony I sincerely welcome." Akakios realized his hand had been wandering, being slightly too familiar with her leg before he yanked his hand off the bed entirely. With a knowing chuckle he bowed his head to her once more with the intention of truly leaving, fully aware he had not answered her question. "I'll let you continue your rest. Please remember what I said and don't be shy about asking my slaves for assistance with anything you should require in my absence."

Ladybird caught the way he avoided her question and was soon mentally kicking herself for her stupidity. Even Fern agreed that the nobleman was only being hospitable and there was nothing there to consider pursing. Their difference in status alone should have suggested as much after all. She quickly blamed her slip in decorum on her physical weakness and let it go.

However, having observed him touch her through the quilt twice in one day had to have meant something. The way he yanked his hand away said more though. It had been a slip in judgement on his part and nothing more. Ladybird wondered if she reminded him of someone but shook the thought away while bidding him a good day and at last sliding down in the bed to sleep once more.

He was certain he would have to be far more careful in Petal’s presence in the future. He had been careless and far too forward. That she had noticed and gone so far as to comment on it terrified him. The vampire worried that he would spook her if he wasn’t more cautious in presenting his intentions to her.

Akakios spent the rest of his day as he usually did in his study, but Toren was both eager and filled with guilt at the prospect of visiting her. When he got a spare moment later in the afternoon the slave went upstairs to her door. He listened at it for a while, anxious about interrupting Akakios if he was with her, but once he determined there was no one else there he knocked gently and announced himself in a hushed voice, mindful that Akakios was bound to be nearby. “Petal? Are you there? It’s Toren. Oh! I hope you aren’t asleep,” he fussed, the realization leaving him shaking his head in disappointment. He was a mess, but a well-meaning one.

A faint giggle was Toren's response before the woman gladly called him in. Ladybird was still lounging in bed, using several pillows to cradle her neck and head on her side while she read one of the several books that Akakios had brought for her.

"Come in, come in! No need to linger in the door either, Toren. How are you? I'm sorry I did not say goodbye before I left last time I...was not myself," she hurriedly apologized.

He smiled with relief for hearing her voice, and sounding so cheery at that. She was alive and well, at least, and he entered her quarters with a friendly eagerness. He waved away her apology and chuckled for the small collection of books surrounding her.

"Please, it's no trouble. I'm just glad you're...doing well. I do hope you're doing well, at least. I feel awfully guilty about getting you into this mess," he said with a wince, "But what are all those for?" he asked, pointing at her books. Toren recognized them to be Akakios's but he wasn't certain of the subject matter. "I hope he isn't assigning you reading material," he sighed with a slightly sour face at the prospect. It would be just like his master, he thought, to be so bossy and monopolize her precious time with unnecessary tasks.

Ladybird giggled again at the notion even as she lovingly stroked the page she was reading. "No, no, on the contrary it was my idea. I requested it as payment as I was sure he would have some rare books on plant-lore I would never be able to get my hands on. If anything Akaki-Lord Reolaras has been spoiling me, even if he says otherwise. I can't remember the last time I just loafed about in bed doing nothing but reading and sleeping!"

"Payment?" he practically croaked, wincing and shaking his head as a sigh escaped him. If only she'd known what she could have asked of him.

"So it's true that he has you under contract... He doesn't wish you damaged," he stated matter-of-factly, "But I hope you will be keeping those. Borrowing is hardly pay. Please don't sell yourself short on this, on him. He is more than capable of providing you with anything you truly wish to have. You are very brave and you have a thankless job. He should be paying you better for that." Toren tone harbored some bitterness for the sometimes torturous pace of his master's feedings in his younger years.

Truly, he pitied her. Toren knew quite well that women in her situation simply did not last. His master was greedy, and he silently cursed the man for taking such a kind-hearted young woman as his next victim.

"Oh Toren," she sighed, finding him silly. "I wouldn't dare keep something that belonged to him and his family for so long. Besides what else could I have asked of him? Money? It doesn't seem right. Honestly, I'm a woman who has her pride and I'm a commoner. Fancy things don't suit simple people. Maybe I'll think of something in the future if it stays that long. It's only for a short while though."

Ladybird held out her hand to him, beckoning him closer. "I know you may find me innocent and sweet but I haven't forgotten what you said about this house. 'These are not peaceful times' you said. I'll be careful. I promise."

Toren came closer to her bedside at her beckoning but his brow was furrowed in concern. She didn't think their arrangement was anything to worry about, but Toren thought he knew better. He had buried and burned enough of the dead to know that Akakios was a dangerous predator and not to be trusted. He always got what he wanted, even if it cost a life.

"Yes, but I also warned you to stay away, and you didn't," he answered playfully, though his smile was sad. "Take advantage of him while you can. What you give him is worth his very life and he will pay handsomely for it. Trust me, I've seen."

Ladybird giggle at his response but shook her head. "I'll have you remember that I was practically dragged to him. As for the other matter, well I don't find it right to take advantage of the needy. It's not his fault what he is. Is it so wrong for me to help? I mean, doesn't it also help you?" she added pointedly, her eyes drifted to where she remembered his neck being bandaged before and now having a better understanding of why it might have been that way when they first met.

"I wouldn't exactly call my master 'needy,'" Toren sighed. He couldn't deny, though, that her sacrifice was sparing him at least for the time being. She did not have to give herself to Akakios freely, which was a good thing at least, but Toren was deeply afraid of the day he assumed would eventually come where she had to turn the vampire away.

"You are helping me, but you should not have to help others by causing yourself pain," he told her, frustrated by that particular detail as he continued to warn her, "Do not ever give him more than he agreed to. What did you sign with him? Once a month? Twice a month?"

"Every sacrifice is met with some form of reward in the end even if it is just knowing that you did something good. I'm not opposed to hard work, Toren. Life is difficult and pain just makes the happy times just that much more wonderful. You need not worry so much though, once a week will be hard enough for me. I most certainly will not be giving him more than that. I have a business to run after all."

"You are truly an angel," he told her sadly, shaking his head in disappointment though he admired her bravery. "Perhaps I can persuade him to relax your agreement with me in your stead," he pondered aloud, cautiously sitting on the edge of the bed, careful not to invade her space and keep them from touching.

Ladybird placed a comforting hand on Toren's knee, oblivious to his care to not touch her. "Hardly an angel my friend. You're missing the horns," she giggled, her eyes dancing with laughter. "And don't you dare interfere. We don't need his ire anymore focused on the pair of us. He spent far too much time questioning a fictional relationship that didn't exist between us. I would not have my other contract with him sullied by his jumping to false conclusions. If you truly wish to help then support me from behind. I will fight the rest of my battles face on but I'm going to need someone I think to help me lick my wounds so to speak. I fear this will only get harder as it goes on no matter how stubborn I may be," she whispered the last, hating to admit it but knowing he was likely to be the most understanding person when it came to the delicate matter of feeding Akakios.

He was shocked by the familiar contact but laughed easily with her, as if she were an old friend instead of a recent, unfortunate acquaintance. Gradually, Toren relaxed and moved a cautious hand to cover her own upon his knee, rubbing the back of her hand and wrist in a gentle, soothing gesture. "That he did. I suspect he might still harbor secret thoughts about that," he told her, wincing slightly for the knowledge of his master being so relentless with his ideas he made up in his mind.

"You are are very brave and strong for that, though, I hope you know," he praised her. "I will help you in any way I can. I'll be the best...friend to you that I am capable of. You deserve that much.

"I'm afraid, though, that I don't really know of much to ease the pain or feel like yourself any faster. I think, mentally at least, it will become a bit easier once you are accustomed to it. Won't be such a shock every time," he sighed, apologetic despite it being her choice to enter into such an agreement.

She nodded her head solemnly but smiled warmly. "That's why I'm studying all these," she giggled, nodding towards the stack of books beside her. "I'll see if I can find something that will help with it," Ladybird paused slightly before continuing, "for the both of us. I may be no apothecary but I've dabbled a bit and I would like to think I know enough about my plants to do twice as much good as that cruel, sadistic bastard does with his sticky fingers and wandering eyes." The woman shuddered as she thought of Agehneim.

"Forgive me, Toren. I should not speak ill of others. He has been good to Akakios from my understanding. I should not judge." She squeezed his hand again affectionately. "At least I have you in this, my friend. More than anyone could ever ask for."

Toren grimaced a bit at the mention of Agehneim. "He keeps him around because he always gets what he wants from him, no questions asked," he sighed, shaking his head but giving her an encouraging smile for the reasoning she gave for her research. "You're a very smart lady, Petal. I'm sure you'll find something if that's what you want to do.

"Let me know if there's ever anything I can help with or something you need around here. If Akakios doesn't have it he'll certainly have access to any supplies you need. I'm sure he'd be interested anyway, since he got those books for you." He eyed the tray on the table beside the bed and gestured to it with his free hand. "Are you finished with that? Still hungry at all? Thirsty?"

Ladybird blushed as she too glanced at the tray. "I am a bit thirsty but I don't want to cause you trouble, Toren. The cook was already kind enough to make me such a delicious meal. I really should thank her. Honestly though I was embarrassed that Akakios insisted so much that I eat something. I know he was only to do good but I didn't want to look pathetic in front of him and I'm sure my eating when he cannot is frustrating for him. I am just so weak from it all. Pain aside though, the worst of this situation is the constant exhaustion and my shaking hands.

"Oh no!" she cried as she suddenly recalled her first feeding. "Oh Toren! I dropped and broke a glass last time. I am so sorry. I didn't get you or anyone else in trouble did I? It was an accident I just couldn't keep steady. Oh Kia I hope Akakios didn't take it out on anyone," she commented as she worried at her lip with her teeth.

He remembered the broken glass vaguely, but he was certain Akakios had never been alerted to it. "No, nothing like that. It's quite alright, Petal," he tried to assure her. He tried his best to lighten the mood. "Broken dishes and glasses happen. The price of keeping such fine stuff if you ask me.

"But no, I don't really think he's bothered by people eating. Unless, perhaps, he has gone a very long time without. He can get a bit tense, though I don't think it's exactly a displeasure. He...keeps a different schedule, if that makes sense." Hoping he was explaining his thoughts well, Toren gave her hand one last squeeze before rising to his feet and shuffling closer to the tray. "I'll take this away for you and let Nadalee know you enjoyed it. I'll bring some water back for you," he promised.

"Thank you, Toren! You're too good to me, really. I don't deserve such a sweet friend." She smiled up at him warmly while closing the book and placing it back on the bedside table. "I don't know how busy you are but if you ever half a bit of spare time, you are always welcome to come talk with me Toren. I don't want you getting in trouble but I'm hear for you."

There was a genuine smile there for her praises. It felt good to know he was so appreciated for even the little things he could offer her. "Of course," he bid her, bowing his head. "I'll visit as often as I can. Until you're regretting those words and pushing me away," he teased, balancing the tray on his hand before crossing to exit the room. He was quick about putting everything away and cleaning her dishes while a small pitcher of water was drawn for her. This time he opted for a wooden cup, worried she might hurt herself if she broke more glass.

Taking it back to her he did not bother to knock for his full hands but did pause at the door to make sure he wasn't interrupting anything. "Here you are," he announced cheerily, a bit of bounce back in his step as he approached her. Carefully setting the pitcher down beside her book, he held the mostly-full cup out to her. "I thought this might help. With the shaking hands and all," he explained, a bit bashful but quite proud of his own thoughtfulness.

She blushed at his return, her eyes watering slightly as she was overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. Even if it was such a small action, to her it meant a great deal as she truly had been upset about breaking the glass. As opposed to Toren's attitude, Ladybird felt that while such things were fragile they should be handled with the utmost care as replacing them could be quite expensive.

"Thank you, Toren. You are truly to kind," she told him with a big small while slightly trembling hands accepted the cup to drink from it. "Perfect," she continued to praise him once she had finished the water in it. "Sorry you have to wait on me, Toren. I'm more trouble than I'm worth."

"Oh, it's nothing," he insisted, dismissing the compliment with a wave. "I just use what I have at my disposal. And none of that," he scolded gently, taking her empty cup to fill again for her. "You are entitled to basic human decency same as anyone else. I will do what I can to make your time here as pleasant as possible. You let me know if there's ever anything you need or anything he's too stubborn to let you have." He noticed the moisture at her eyes as he turned to hand her the cup again, his face falling a bit with concern.

"Petal? Are you alright? Why are you crying? Are you hurting?"

"No, no," she chuckled, wiping clumsily at her eyes. "You're just too thoughtful and sweet. You didn't have to do that and yet you did. I don't know many people that consider the small things and act on them. It makes me happy when it happens is all. I'm sorry if I worried you."

Hearing that she was alright had him relaxing again, a relieved smile there as he heard her out. "Well, I'm glad it makes you happy. Akakios is not nearly as grateful. It's nice to see every now and then," he chuckled, pleased with himself now that he understood what had happened. "Is your family not very kind, though?" he guessed.

"Oh on the contrary!" Ladybird hurried to say. "My family is quite loving and kind. I just always seem to get this way is all. These always tease me for it too." She blushed at the admission, dipping her head some to hide just how red her cheeks became. "I'm sorry that he is not so appreciative though. It is a shame when you're always quite wonderful whenever we've managed to run into each other. Always more concerned about others over yourself, no matter the cost. You're a brave man Toren and a better friend, a woman could never ask for. Thank you, truly."

"I see," he chuckled, bowing his head for her humbling compliments. "You are very kind, thank you. Such a light here. It's easy to forget the good in people sometimes. Keep surrounding yourself with your loved ones, though," Toren encouraged. "Akakios has a way of breaking spirits. You don't deserve that, and I hope you'll see there is still good all around you.

"But don't think too much about it either, or you might miss the better moments." He had half a thought to give her hair a friendly ruffle but decided against touching her unnecessarily and instead just rubbed her shoulder in an encouraging manner. "Anything else I can do for you right now? Or shall I just come check on you later?"

She raised her chin in determination, silently thinking to herself that there was no way she would become a broken woman from having contracts with Akakios Reolaras, not when she had a close-knit family and Toren as her friend.

"If you have things you should be doing my friend by all means go before you get in trouble! Otherwise your company is always welcome. I just would not have you yelled at for my sake. I'm sure his patience has limits even if those limits seem quite large of late. Thank you again though for everything! I mean it."

"Just a few," he admitted, gesturing with a quick pinch of fingers. "But your company is much more entertaining than keeping house. I'll bring you something later if I see you, but if you're back home by then I hope you have a pleasant trip," he bid her, hesitant and slow as he made his way out the door and back to his boring, regular work.

Ladybird had returned home in due time, slow but on the mend to continue with her daily life. She cultivated her flowers, made arrangements, read the books she borrowed, and in her spare time worked at making good on her pain-reliever for the vampire poison that she and Toren both had suffered from.

The week passed quickly and in what seemed like no time at all, Ladybird was making her way back to the nobleman's home to begin work. Just as he had promised, she was let in without trouble or concern. After a bit of freshening up she hesitantly made her way to his office and knocked lightly on his door, wondering only as she got there if she should have asked his location first before deciding to disturb him on her own.

To have a new source of food under contract was cause for celebration, at least a silent one. The house was so much more peaceful when its master had no need to distract himself by making toys of others. For now, Petal would be his only toy.

Akakios was known for using several people at once to create his own schedule, alternating them to give them time to rest but still allowing the vampire to feed every few days. With Petal, though, he didn't feel that to be very necessary. It was obvious it caused her pain, but she'd at least been willing to let him drink his fill. That was something most could not bear. Her lack of complaint had him wondering, speculating if perhaps she had some mixed lineage that made his venom less potent. In his experience most humans would eventually be found writhing and howling in pain from it, or at the very least whimpering as he'd often heard from Toren.

He spent their separation wondering if she would keep to their agreement and return to him. He wrote his letters and prepared to rearrange his life to have those days at the end of the week free for her visits. The other partners in his business hardly had need to worry, though. Receiving word that the vampire had acquired a "regular" was not unfamiliar. It was usually what came after that caused trouble, but Akakios had gotten good at cleaning up his messes over the years. He was trustworthy for that at least and it was merely a custom of respect that he informed his associates of potential interruptions in their talks, trades, and plans.

Toren spent his free moments scouring the various rooms of the house for any other books that might interest her. Slowly, he created a small pile upon the bedside table of the room that would now be hers of the ones his master had missed in his search.

When the day finally came, though, Akakios was wholly unprepared for the hunger, or rather the craving, he felt for her. It had been a slow burn but it had reared its head and kept it high over the previous day or so. With only two feedings to speak of he was thoroughly annoyed at the lack of control he showed, at least to himself. He knew it was a sign it would be a long time before it subsided if he felt such a pull to her, but he knew it was out of his control and she would likely decide she would quit long before it did and leave him with an unquenchable thirst.

He didn't recognize the light knock at his door at first, the study more of a home to him than any bedroom had been in a very long time. He glanced up from his papers expecting the door to open and one of his slaves to begin prattling off some request or another. When it didn't, though, he set down his quill and sat up a bit straighter in his chair. It was a visitor, then, but he didn't know whom. Perhaps it was Lucas being mischievous, causing suspense though he knew the vampire to be quite an impatient man. When the door still did not open he was convinced it was Sevia standing on the other side, fully expecting him to go to her even after bothering to travel such a long way for a surprise visit.

"I really do tire of your games sometimes," he spoke goodnaturedly to the door, shaking his head as he stood, tidied his stack of papers, and then rounded the desk to open the door for her. "You know, I've told you what feels like a million times that it is not impolite to invite yourself in," he teased, chuckling to himself as he reached to open it. "My home is your home. You're so old-fash- Oh, Petal." He froze, his tone of surprise instead of embarrassment for speaking to the wrong person.

Slowly, his lips curled to show a knowing, predatory smile as his eyes swept over her. "My, my. Is it time already? Welcome. I take it you'd like to speak first?" he guessed, stepping aside to allow her entry.

She stared up at him in shock as he talked to her through the door, not understanding what he was referring to until he opened the door and realized she was not who he was expecting. "Forgive me for disturbing you, Akakios. Were you expecting someone? I can come back later if you're in the middle of something. Or do you need to feed now before you are able to get back to work?" Ladybird continued looking concerned as she hesitantly stepped into the office.

"No, I wasn't expecting anyone," he was quick to explain, noticing her hesitation and mentally kicking himself for causing it. "I simply thought my visitor was another. Welcome. I'm glad you decided to return." The mention of feeding had his eyes dilating with hunger, his tongue sneaking out the lick at his lips subconsciously for the very thought. "I do not need to right this moment. You should rest from your journey," Akakios insisted, stepping aside to let her in anyway and shut the door behind her. "Unless, of course, you are in a hurry."

His actions did not escape her and while Ladybird did step in more fully, she did continue to look at him worriedly, biting her lip slightly as she did. "I will have plenty of time to rest later and I would not be so cruel to deny you something that you require, Akakios. There is a rather small matter about needing workers to begin work on the courtyard but beyond that I see no reason to delay what you require of me. I'm sure we can discuss it afterwards anyway."

He heard her but could only nod distractedly as an answer, his thoughts wholly consumed by feeding since she seemed so receptive to it. He could only hope she would continue to offer herself so readily in the future.

He stepped up to her without hesitation but his hands hovered at her arms when he lifted them, uncertain how much they should be touching. His eyes flickered across her shoulders and throat, studying what skin was already exposed as he struggled with his decisions. She should have had a say in where and he should have asked if she had any soreness or injuries, but he didn't. Really, he wasn't thinking of her care and comfort.

Akakios managed to choose an unblemished spot at the side of her throat to finally sink his teeth into. A muffled groan of pleasure escaped him as the welcome taste of blood hit his tongue while he suckled at the punctures he'd created. A shudder starting in his chest raced through him and he finally latched onto her arms with a biting grip merely out of instinct. It was a small gesture to delay her from running from him if she panicked, though he knew in the back of his mind he could have done much more to ensure that she couldn't have run even if she'd wanted to.

He would not reduce himself to begging for more than their agreed-upon weekly session so he drank his fill, quickly at first and then leisurely once the gnawing hunger had subsided to a dull ache in his belly. The only kindness he bestowed upon her was his relative gentleness with the act itself.

Even when he was sated it was a struggle with withdraw himself from her and mark the ritual as complete. Instead, he merely loosened his hold on her once he'd removed his fangs from her flesh and took his time lapping at the excess blood before it spilled too far down her throat to stain her clothes. With the scent of it hanging so heavily in the air he was unable to retract his fangs immediately, but the look of predatory hunger had died from his eyes and Akakios was once again fairly sound of mind as he lifted his head away and stood up straight once more. "That was just what I needed. You're delicious," he praised softly, his gaze lingering at the marks as he attempted to gather himself properly. There was a particular glint of admiration there, but he did not voice it.

Ladybird was surprised by how abruptly he seemed to latch onto her before beginning his feeding. Having expected him to bite again in her shoulder as he had the previous times she was thoroughly shocked by the excruciating pain of him digging into the side of her vulnerable throat. She let loose a pained shout followed by a moan as she struggled to stay put and not cause him any trouble.

It seemed that he drank forever without end as Ladybird grew more and more exhausted. The pain of his venom by now was familiar though no less agonizing than before. When at last he did stop though, she could not help slumping slightly into him while she worked at gathering her strength again. Ladybird was shocked to find warm tears on her cheeks and clumsily hurried to brush them aside lest Akakios see and become offended or think her weak.

She did not know how to respond to being called delicious as it sent an icy chill down her spine. On the one hand this was their contract so she should not expect to be seen as anything more than a service to him and a meal, yet she could not help feeling as if she was being used without regard for her humanity. Ladybird chose silence over saying something she might regret later.

He let his arms slip to a slightly more supporting position as he loosened his grip on her. The lack of any response unsettled him and the fear of her unhappiness with the situation was already settling into his mind. The brief glimpse of tears he saw only confirmed his fears in his mind. "Was it too much?" he guessed, worried about making the experience far too unpleasant to bear. "...Did I hurt you? Please tell me if I did, I can get you proper care. I was just...very hungry." An apology hung on his words and almost spilled from his lips but he did not utter one.

She pressed a hand delicately to the fresh bite mark, wincing at the searing tenderness she found there. "It might be prudent in the future to provide some warning before you begin," Ladybird spoke hoarsely but not unkindly. "That area is understandably more vulnerable than your previous choices.

"Have you had enough though?" she asked, soon changing the topic even as she wavered where she stood, still struggling even with his help to remain on her own two feet. "You mustn't starve yourself," the woman insisted. "You'll make yourself sick!" Ladybird groaned softly, placing a hand to her forehead as a fresh wave of dizziness struck her. "Do vampires even get sick?" she murmured, not even realizing she had spoken the last aloud.

He found her gentle scolding amusing, not quite realizing she was serious about receiving more warning than he'd provided. In his mind, it was something she should have been prepared for. "I suppose we can, in a way. I think I've had enough, though, thank you." Even so, he found his eyes wandering to her throat and the hand she was using to cover it with a particularly greedy hunger. He was sated, but he craved more after already having a taste.

"Did I harm you?" he asked pointedly, still carefully supporting her but daring her nonetheless to say that he had for all her complaints.

Ladybird quietly snorted at his question before raising her head to blearily meet his gaze. "If you had not then our contract would be ineffective. Pain is expected after all. It is not exactly as if you could fit me with a tube for constant drinking like a straw. Well I guess you could," she muttered to herself distractedly before snapping back to attention and furrowing her brows at him. "That's not an invitation to do so! In case you were considering it."

The woman sighed and groaned softly. "May I sit down?" she finally asked him as if the very arms supporting her were what was keeping her from moving. In truth she felt uncomfortable being in such an intimate and familiar proximity to the nobleman. It did seem right to toy with the rules of society even if there was no one to see her impropriety. Ladybird already suspected how the rumor mill would be working now that she had begun making weekly visits to the home of the reclusive nobleman. It would only before people were guessing as to their business.

Her forwardness enticed a slight quirk to his brow as he stared at her in utter confusion. Did she really expect it to always be like that? The concern bubbling was quickly drawn away, though, as she spoke of fitting herself with a contraption for easier access. "Of course you may," he answered politely, unable to hide the mirth in his eyes as he guided her to sit before his desk, thinking it entirely appropriate since she had not asked for privacy.

"So about that straw," he prompted once he'd released her, a cruel, amused chuckle under his breath for even bringing up such a thing. "I promise I won't do such a thing to you so long as I still get what I need and you continue to give yourself willingly to me. There's nothing less fun than forcing such a thing," he nodded, as if that should have been an obvious fact. "Chase is occasionally fun, but this is business and I trust you'll honor that."

She sank blessedly into the chair all the while just barely keeping herself from sighing in relief at not having to strain to keep herself in a standing position. Her peace was short lived though as her head immediately shot up to eye him with contained fire within her normally warm eyes. One twitched slightly at the pain she caused herself but she otherwise did her best to remain emotionless beneath his challenging gaze.

"Contract aside, I gave you my word, Akakios Reolaras. Perhaps your business world is different than mine, I would not doubt it, but where I come from we do not fail to deliver on what we have promised. As you said, this is business."

"Which is why I do trust you so very much on this, Petal," he agreed, a bit too happily for his own good. "And that is why this arrangement is perfect for the both of us. We both get what we want, after all." It was self praise more than anything, but he wasn't about to let her argue the point.

Quietly he took up his chair and watched her across the shadowy surface of the desk. "So how much of a 'warning' will you need in the future? Concerning this...?" he wondered, gesturing between them with a lazy twist of his wrist.

Ladybird sighed softly trying not to wince with every slow blink she took. She was coming to find that she was steadily losing her strength to focus and the very act of speaking only seemed to tear more at her already tender wounds.

"It is not a matter of time that I need warning with though perhaps that too would be helpful before you lunge yourself at my person. I do understand what my duty here is however a moment to gain my bearings would be helpful. It is rather more a warning of where you intend to feed from that I speak of. While it may be of no problem to you how I deal with covering up the evidence of your hunger, it is something I feel I should not have to struggle so fiercely with given I am doing you a favor. The place you have chosen is both exceedingly visible and...delicate. I would hate to be unable to serve you properly because I am forced to recover twice as long. All I ask in the future Akakios is for a bit of restraint on your part. You have been most kind to me and I would not wish to cause you more trouble because of my own fragile humanity," she informed him sincerely, hoping that he would understand the meaning in her words more than how she was saying them given teh way her head seemed to be swimming through a fog of pain.

Her complaints were met with a dull, distracted stare on Akakios's part. He didn't quite understand that such marks were troublesome or that there was any reason to cover them up besides shame or pride as he assumed of everyone else who did such things.

"Why is it a struggle?" he questioned genuinely, confused as to why it might cause her discomfort. "There is no reason to hide it, really, is there? Are you embarrassed by me? Do you think...some harm might come to you simply for bearing my bite?" Akakios chuckled at the very notion, a deep rumbling in his chest at the thought of anything ill coming of someone that was "his."

"If you are worried you might fall ill with infection I will have the wounds cleaned," he offered with a shrug, not really seeing it as a possibility anyway.

"Thank you for your concern, Akakios but I am afraid I am not explaining properly as it seems my meaning has been misconstrued." She bit her lip trying to find a way to say her next words without causing further misunderstanding as well as not insulting her host. "In the town, no one for the most part knows what you really are. They would not understand our arrangement, nor would they believe that this," Ladybird waved her hand at her injured throat, "would be what it really is. You have already witnessed how cruel words and actions of others have made false accusations towards my reputation. I would not have it continue further if it can be helped."

She swallowed dryly, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from groaning as the movement cause pain to spread through her like wildfire once more. "We humans tend to be simple creatures set in our ways. What we don't understand many of us make up and unfortunately the conclusions often are false. I only ask of this you as I deemed it a small consideration to prevent a largely unwanted outcome. If it is too much to ask then you need only say, Akakios. I would understand."

Akakios was a bit surprised to hear from her that the truth of his existence was veiled from a town so close to his own property, especially when he'd lived there for so long. He'd just assumed that despite the very private way he conducted himself and his business information would have gotten out one way or another. It wasn't a secret he was keeping and he wasn't exactly hiding from the world, but that he was essentially a mystery to others was intriguing.

"I do expect," he finally spoke, "In agreeing to such a thing I may ask a favor of you one day for giving such a courtesy. And where is it you would prefer I...do such things? I suppose you'd rather hide it under clothing, then, yes?"

Ladybird's head snapped up as she silently leveled an assessing gaze upon the nobleman. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, her jaw clenching and lips pursing slightly before she finally replied. "I do not comprehend how you would deem this another favor owed rather than one repaid. Our contract allows me to make requests of you within reason and means. Surely such a simple request is not asking too much. It is not as if I am asking for a king's boon. All I wish for is a little consideration on your part.

"Where you previously," she waved her hand towards his former bite locations closer to her shoulders, "was perfectly alright and from what I understood not difficult for you. If I was mistaken then please say and I will do my best to make things easier for you. However, this," again Ladybird motioned to her throat, "is likely to make my ability to uphold my end of the contract infinitely more difficult. I would rather avoid such trouble if at all possible."

"I think you may find I have your best interest and overall comfort at heart more than you may believe, Petal," he chuckled, though he nodded in agreement for her request. "In my experience, it seems more painful when I feed from the same spots over and over again. Not quite healing before it's reopened.

"You may change your mind at any time, no need to be prideful with me, but I will respect your wishes on this. Please relax, though, hm?" He sighed contently as he leaned back against his own chair to bask in the warmth of fresh life within him. "I was merely bartering, it's in my blood. I understand our contract and, yes, you are allowed to make such requests. I just didn't exactly agree with the reasoning. I expect nothing extra from you for this.

"With all that aside, though, is there anything else you'd like right now? Anything I can do to...assist your comfort? You are welcome to continue using the room, well, consider it yours whenever you visit."

"You've said," she murmured tiredly back, relieved he had agreed but equally aggravated with the games he seemed to want to continuously play with her as if she was a mouse on a string just waiting to be caught by the cat. Ladybird ran a hand wearily over her forehead while gently shaking her head.

"Thank you but no for now. I do not believe I am in the right mindset to be making further requests. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. If you have nothing further to discuss with me however I believe I will take my leave. I would not dare keep you further from your business."

"If you wish," he nodded, rising from his chair to open the door for her. Walking her down the hall seemed a bit much for the moment, but he was happy to see her off safely. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, then. Thank you for...helping me. Good night." His words lacked the warmth of familiarity, but they were still quite genuine. Unhappy humans tended to cause trouble and that was the last thing he needed out of their arrangement considering he expected to rely upon it for years to come.

Ladybird rose from the chair slowly and shakily, her gaze lowered to the floor as she bowed her head in acknowledgement of his kindness. She feared if she looked at him she would lose her footing and disgrace herself in front of the nobleman.

"Good evening to you, Akakios," she returned wearily. The strain of upholding her pride was already whittling down on her strength in heavy chunks. "Thank you for understanding," she added as she left, hoping he would return to his office and she could find Toren quickly to help her before she embarrassed herself.

Akakios watched in silence until she'd disappeared. In truth he'd wanted to follow her out of habit. It was unusual for him to be so distant with someone who was feeding him, but it was the arrangement she seemed to want for the time being. At least, he felt, he had the luxury of seeking pleasure elsewhere. If she was too tired to speak with him then he confidently believed she was too tired to go to another for such things.

As much as it pained him to remain cooped up, the vampire returned to his desk and his work. Toren had the misfortune of checking on his master shortly after the nobleman had settled into his books and papers and immediately regretted it when he entered the room. Things were different, he was not nearly as tense as before and he could tell that he'd fed. It disgusted him to realize he was thankful that meal had not been himself. Even more, though, was the feeling of dread to realize what he was wanted for when Akakios announced he would be staying with him for the evening.

He put a smile on for him even though his eyes told the true story of dread, regret, and shame. With nothing more to do at the present until his master left his work the slave went down the hall to visit Petal. There was a small hope there that she might have noticed the "gift" of books he'd left for her, but he hoped she was even in a condition to enjoy them. Unaware of how she felt at the time, he knocked gently at her door hoping the sound would not be too jarring for her.

The journey back to "her" room was slower and more painful than she ever could have thought possible. She likened it to having walked through a frozen desert so that by the time she made into her quarters she immediately collapsed onto the bed and tugged a pillow over her head to muffle her sobs. Ladybird wanted to scream her pain out but the way her throat seared with pain kept her silent for fear of further injuring herself and causing even more pain.

It was therefore a surprise to hear a knock at her door and for a moment she nearly contemplated ignoring it before finally giving in and calling out a quiet "come in," not even bothering to remove the pillow she was burrowed beneath. Akakios be damned if it was him because the last thing she wanted was to see him right then.

He barely heard the quiet voice on the other side of the door, but it was enough for him to feel welcome. Toren slipped inside and stared at her as he crossed the room, a knowing sadness and dread in his eyes as well as anger at his master for causing a kind soul such pain. "Hello. Would you like an extra pillow, Petal?" he offered, unable to sound happy despite that he was selfishly glad to see her again.

Toren noticed the stack of books appeared untouched, but he did not blame her for lying in bed like she was. "Are you thirsty? Hungry at all?" he prompted politely, hoping he could find a use for himself and not cause her trouble or annoyance with his presence.

She tiredly slid the pillow off her face to look at Toren before turning her head away from him to reveal her throat. "Be honest, Toren how awful is it?" she breathed, each word making her feel like she was talking through lungfuls of burning coals. Ladybird slid a hand out towards him to pat the bed, beckoning him to sit as she desired company and comfort. It did not even matter to her in that moment that her eyes were red-rimmed and her cheeks wet with tears. Toren would understand for she was not alone in having suffered such pain.

What he saw of her was so heartbreakingly sad. He could feel the lump in his chest tightening to hear her question and see her in such a state, the marks of Akakios obvious upon her throat. At first he simply stood there with his mouth open, unable to produce words. Noticing her gesture, though, he nodded and approached her to settle quietly at her side.

A weary sigh escaped his lips as he glanced to her wounds again. "I'm sorry," was all he said at first, a hand reaching out cautiously to cover hers in comfort. "It gets better with time, but it can be very painful at first. It is at least for me. Sometimes... sometimes I pass out I think. From the pain. But it's better not to be conscious of the worst of it, I think. Just feels like burning and knives. But....I think I've grown accustomed to it now. Doesn't hurt as much as it used to. It'll get better," he tried to assure her.

Ladybird smiled weakly, giving Toren's hand a firm squeeze to show she was not broken yet. "That bad, eh?" she tried joking weakly before recovering the blemish from his sight. "I told him not to bite in such visible places," she informed him tiredly. "I think...he acted as if he wanted to trap me into owing him. But then maybe I'm just not in my right mind now.

"Oh Toren," the woman sighed, sounding many years older than she actually was. Her gaze drifted to the side table beside the bed and she found herself squinting at them speculatively for several moments. "Those books were not there the last time I was here. At least not that many, I'm sure of it. Was it Akakios who did that?"

Toren grew a bit pale to hear that his master was already being so cruel to her with his games. He felt awful for her but knew he was nearly powerless to help her with him. With a sad, apologetic smile he followed her gaze to the books and shook his head. There was almost a shyness to him as he tried to explain himself, "No, actually. I thought you might like to see a bit more of what he has here. Something to do at least if you feel like staying in bed a while. If there are any other subjects you're fond of I could see what he might have," the slave offered, knowing it wasn't really his place to offer his master's possessions to her.

Her smile became brighter and wider at his correction and she offered his hand a tight squeeze of thanks. "That is so kind of you thank you, Toren! I'm sure these will do just nicely. You know," Ladybird blushed slightly despite her pale complexion, "it was a little bit because of you that I wanted these books. I'm hoping maybe to find something that could make this all less painful for us. I doubt Agehneim would even care to try and after last time..." She pursed her lips, refusing to go into more detail as she remembered the apothecary's attraction to Akakios' bites.

"Well at least it would make my lazing about useful now wouldn't it," she giggled cheerily instead.

The news she shared with him was quite interesting, though he was skeptical such a thing could be done. "Don't put yourself down so much. It isn't lazy to rest after what he's done to you. Sleep soothes, but I know of nothing else really that helps the pain." Toren winced at her mention of the apothecary that seemed intent upon sullying what little he had in the way of friendship and the good graces of his master. "But if you believe your plants might be able to help I would be willing to try anything you want," he offered. "No use experimenting on yourself. I doubt he will entirely give me up as a...source."

"You're sweet Toren but perhaps we should both try. I mean if it has the potential to help with the pain then I might as well try. Does he feed from you often then? He had me under the impression that he only needs to once or twice a week. I assume he has been using you and others then to supplement the once a week I am committed to. For the sake of my business I was unable to commit my time to more. Between recovery, travel, and the like...well my business has been a bit busier than normal, not that that's a bad thing mind you just means a bit more burning of the midnight oil I suppose."

"Every now and then," he admitted. "Not nearly as often as he used to. Please don't feel guilty about putting yourself above all of this. He has many he could take from. He doesn't even need you, but I know he prefers at least one steady person so..." Toren shook his head in disgust, an uncomfortable shiver running down his spine.

"Promise me, if you find something you want to try let me try first. No use poisoning yourself if it's no good," he chuckled, meaning it lightheartedly. "I don't want to occupy all of your time tonight, but I thought I would check on you. Anything you need? Anything you want? Less of a nag in your ear, perhaps?"

Ladybird pouted at his demand for a promise. "So little confidence in me, Toren. I've grown up with plants and plantlore in my life since the day I was conceived. It runs in my blood. It is highly unlikely I would poison either of us by accident as I wouldn't be using anything poisonous. I'm sure one of these dusty old books has something useful in it so don't worry. All will be well," she attempted to reassure him with a tired smile and another hand squeeze.

"A cat," she joked as she hugged a pillow to her chest,  "for cuddling." Ladybird shook her head, her eyes dancing with mirth. "No, I jest. I'm fine really." Her eyes widened then as a thought suddenly struck her. "Oh dear forgive me, I must be keeping you from your duties. I'm so sorry, Toren that was completely thoughtless of me. Go, before you get in trouble," the young woman urged worriedly, nudging him gently. "No use dilly-dallying with this cotton-headed woman."

He felt a bit silly for indirectly questioning her expertise as he had. "Forgive me," he bowed his head, feeling he quite deserved to be punished for such an assumption. "I'll trust your judgment about it, I just did not know how extensive your knowledge was." Toren's eyes widen in slight panic, though, as she suggested he get going.

The slave didn't want to be a burden to her, but he also didn't want to go to his master any sooner than he had to. "Not at all," he answered with a tense jaw. "You are hardly anything of the sort and...and I have so much time on my hands right now. Tell me to go if you would like to rest alone, but... I would prefer to stay with you if you will allow me." There was a deep seated dread in his eyes, not fear at all but anxiousness over the night he knew would follow as soon as he left her side.

"If that is the case and it is not too much trouble then I require your presence here as it keeps the pain at bay. I hope you don't mind such a boring task, not exactly one I would wish upon anyone, having to put up with me."

Ladybird giggled, wincing as the act ignited fresh fire within her but otherwise did her best to hide it. She had caught the look Toren had sent her though and it made her heart ache for reasons she did not understand. Something was bothering him and after all the kindness he had shown her she felt as if she had done nothing but burden him further.

"Is there something on your mind, Toren?"

"Oh don't say that," he teased, feeling a bit better to have her permission come with a desire for his presence. "You are hardly boring. I only hope I can steal some of your greatness, that's the real reason." He winked, trying to keep the mood light, but it was too late and she had certainly already noticed that he was troubled.

Toren's expression faltered momentarily, falling in a moment of panic and fear that she might turn him over to his master sooner than was comfortable. "I... Not really," he mumbled, averting his eyes so he didn't have to look her in the eye to say such an obvious lie. "I think I'm just a bit tired. Been a long day here."

She closed her eyes upon observing his discomfort, wishing to not further worsen it. While Ladybird, guessed at him lying, she pretended she had no idea and instead smiled warmly at him before pulling his hand a bit closer so that she could hug it with both of her own.

"Poor thing, I'm sure you've worked quite hard today while little old me lazes about like a slug on a log. Why I wouldn't be surprised if I've grown moss already," she said glancing down at herself as if to make sure she had not indeed done so. Her hands rubbed his soothingly over his own lightly calloused one. She found it amusing that her own hands were rougher from her years of working in the dirt. "I'm sure he keeps you very busy. He certainly seems the sort to run a tight ship."

"He does, in a way, yes," Toren agreed, feeling a bit more comfortable that she seemed so at ease with him. "But don't call yourself lazy. I know it is no small task to allow a feeding. And your travels here are not insignificant either." He paused for a moment, offering an empathetic smile as his eyes flickered to her wounds.

With a lift of his chin the slave asked, "Would you like me to get some bandages for that? Help you wrap it up?"

"Is it still bleeding then or is that unsightly to look upon?" she worriedly asked while trying to bring a blanket up over it to hide it. "I'm sorry Toren. I don't mean to be such a bother and upset you," Ladybird self-consciously guessed at the meaning behind his suggestion. "You know you must be awfully bored though if you find my presence entertaining enough," she joked in order to keep the atmosphere light.

He was sad to see but didn't attempt to stop her from covering up. Feeling a sort of shame from it was something he entirely understood and wasn't about to start faulting her for. "Nothing of the sort," he answered her confidently, politely looking away from the covered area. "I suppose I just understand if there's some stinging with it being open to the air like that. If you're more comfortable that way then by all means, I was only offering."

Toren gave her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance, silently hating that she kept making jabs at herself for being troublesome, boring, or lazy. He didn't think she was any of those things and was in fact rather surprised she was enjoying his company at all and not asking him to leave her alone. The slave felt he'd brought her more than enough trouble for a lifetime already. "I'm actually quite relaxed around you, if you don't mind me saying. Your presence... You're one of the few people I feel I can truly be at ease around. You seem so kind and good and honest, Petal," he praised her, blushing a bit as he thought it might seem odd that he admired her at all.

"Perhaps my trust is very misplaced, but I feel I have privacy with you. Like you wouldn't tell him something I told you in confidence, like he cannot touch our...friendship, I suppose. Even if it is very short thus far."

Ladybird struggled to sit up at Toren's words because she wished to show him her sincerity. "I too would like to think that I can be trusted in such a manner. I am honored that you feel so trusting. Friendships have to start somewhere and this is as good a start as any I suppose," she chuckled softly, trying to hide her wince of pain. "I'm very glad the feeling is mutual. Friends are a very special thing. I don't think we get enough of them in life to be honest. I'm glad I have you, Toren. You're a very special person."

Toren was left a bit flustered by her compliments. He hadn't expected anything in return for his confessions and felt a little unworthy in being called special by her of all people. "Thank you, Petal," he told her graciously, his smile genuine and trusting. "I only hope I can help you as much as you've been helping me."

The slave fidgeted nervously, his eyes occasionally looking towards the direction where he knew his master was. He wanted so desperately to ask to stay with her all night, but he knew it would be incredibly selfish of him to drag her into their issues more than she already had been. "I hope your plants help. Would certainly end a lot of suffering in this house if there was such a thing."

Her entire face lit up with a smile meant from deep within her heart. "You do help, Toren. I promise you, you certainly do," she assured him while leaning forward slightly to offer him a quick hug. "I will do my best in that respect though. I'm sure these books will be able to help me find something useful."

Ladybird did notice the way he kept glancing towards the door and wondered worriedly to herself as to whether or not she really was keeping him from other tasks that he should be attending to. She loathed the idea that she would be getting him into trouble. "You're sure keeping me company isn't going to get you into trouble Toren? I enjoy having you hear truly, but I don't want it to be at your expense."

Toren laughed nervously, fearfully. "No, it's nothing like that. I don't want to burden you with my worries, Petal." The slave sighed, feeling already defeated as he knew even a mere friendship would likely eventually be squashed by his master's wishes.

"My master is... not the kindest man. I wish I could hide you away from him, you deserve better and I wish I could give you that," Toren admitted, not realizing that the vampire had wandered close and had began listening at her door after picking up on their conversation, catching the tail end of what he'd said.

Knowing what he had been told already about the lack of a relationship between them Akakios stayed to listen, wanting to catch something even more incriminating than a partial sentence that had no context.

"Silly man," she giggled. "You do take care of me just fine. I'm not some little gem that needs hiding and protecting though. The two of you I swear, make me feel inadequate." Ladybird mock-glared at Toren pointing a finger in his direction. "People like us don't do that to each other, Toren. Remember that," she gently chided with a slow wink before sighing as she relaxed back against the pillows once more.

"You know the worst part about this," she groaned balling up some of the blankets in arms to hug, "is not the pain but the lethargy. My mind is racing like a thoroughbred and yet the effort to even change where I'm looking feels like," she paused to yawn into the blankets, "dragging boulders up a cliff. I'd feel better being able to actually do something instead of behaving as a common garden slug."

Toren nodded, a sympathetic but guilty smile there as he pat her gently. "I know how you feel. Really, I do," he sighed, wishing so badly he could do something more for her. "Soon," he promised. "Very soon, don't worry yourself over it. Rest and then things can go back to normal." Truthfully, he wasn't entirely sure if things would ever be normal for her again, but it would be wrong of him not to be hopeful for her.

Akakios remained quiet, but a frown was firmly planted upon his face as he made up his mind with ridiculous ideas about what he thought they were discussing. It was inexcusable in his mind for them to continue to lie and pretend there was nothing going on between them.

She sighed and shook her head slightly. "I should be working instead of resting. There's too much that needs doing and I don't want him disappointed in my work. Our name means so much in my family and I refuse to present anything but my best work. Lord Reolaras must think so poorly of me, being in this state all the time," Ladybird lamented, having no idea how close the nobleman was.

"He says otherwise but then most polite society does I suppose. I was never good at all this posturing. I just wish people could be simple, mean what they say, and well that sort of thing, you know?" She chuckled mirthlessly, "I suppose that's why I wasn't born nobility. I'd have been outmaneuvered a long time ago."

Toren understood her thinking about it, but he genuinely hoped his master had been sincere with her. "Oh, don't worry yourself over him," he waved dismissively, trying to keep the situation light and keep her mind off the potential bad. "He usually says what he means, and I know he's very fond of good craftsmanship. I think you'll have all the time you need, recovery and all." Toren was trying to be positive about the whole situation, but he truly was clueless and fairly powerless despite what he wished for her.

Akakios, though, was not pleased about what he was hearing. While he was willing to give her time to recover, it was not his intention for that time to be spent fraternizing with his slaves, especially Toren.

"Thank you, Toren. I just despise being idle. I suppose this is why my mother always hated when I fell ill; I'm the worst patient in the world." Ladybird sighed wistfully. "Toren would you be so kind as to pass me one of the books there? Perhaps I can convince myself I'm keeping busy by holding it. Who knows, maybe eventually I'll actually be able to keep the words from swimming together. The sooner I can read, the sooner I can fix this. It's the least I can do if this becomes more long-term than he expected. He did say he was looking for a replacement after all."

"Oh, of course!" Toren hurriedly climbed to his feet to fetch her what she requested, carefully placing the top book on her lap for her. He did worry, though, that Akakios had told her such a thing. He highly doubted that he was doing any such thing. In fact, he was certain she was his intended source of food for the foreseeable future, but he didn't want to worry her in case his master surprised him and he was wrong about that.

Akakios finally knocked at the door to announce his arrival, as if he'd just arrived, but didn't wait for permission before opening it and stepping inside. With a practically emotionless expression he assessed them, looking between them and holding eye contact with Toren for an extended few moments once he'd gotten his attention. "Hello you two. How are you feeling, Petal? Toren...is being helpful to you, I hope."

She smiled gratefully as he retrieved the book for but her interest in it was soon lost as the lord of the manor entered. Ladybird immediately nodded her head in greeting. "It's kind of you to take the time to come check on me, Akakios. It is unexpected. But, yes Toren has been most helpful. I'm sorry to have cost you your servant and kept him from his work. I underestimated my own limitations. I hope you can forgive me for that. It was not my intention to cause trouble for you and your household," the woman apologized tiredly as her hands alternated between adjusting the blankets around herself and smoothing them down again.

Akakios noticed the distinct lack of an answer regarding his initial question to her, but he assumed she was just feeling uneasy about seeing him again with the way that she rambled on. That wasn't really a good sign about his own assumptions about what exactly was going on between them, though.

"It's nothing, really. You are a guest here in a way and you are absolutely welcome to use the resources at my disposal as if they were your own. Don't feel so guilty, there's no need to ask my forgiveness for such silliness," he teased her, an emotionless, teasing smile there that didn't touch his eyes at all.

Toren was concerned watching his master, he knew that silent anger and wondered what had sparked it. He only hoped he would not take it out on Petal, especially while she was feeling so weak. It pained him to admit to himself he wouldn't be able to protect her from him.

Akakios glanced down at the book briefly. "I'm sorry, though, don't let me interrupt your reading. Just thought I'd stop by," he bowed his head slightly out of the habit of niceties but he didn't really care about being polite with her or not so long as he could interrupt whatever had been going on.

"You shouldn't apologize yourself. You have not interrupt me." She patted the book softly, "I have not been able to concentrate enough to read. I'm afraid my mind has been a bit here and there," Ladybird waved her hand slightly to demonstrate her point.

For a brief moment she hesitated to say more before gathering her courage and continuing. "Is there another reason you came to check on me? I assure you I am well enough to discuss our plans if that is something that is concerning you. You needn't worry and wait on my account."

Akakios wasn't surprised that she brought up their business together, but he shot her a smile he hoped seemed understanding and shook his head. "Nonsense, you need your rest. I am not oblivious to the trouble I've caused you, I only wanted to see that you were being cared for properly. Did you wish to discuss anything with me, though? Or are you content with your privacy?" he asked glancing at Toren pointedly to signal to the younger man he would be leaving with him if that was Petal's wish.

Ladybird nodded her head softly in response. "Thank you but no I cannot think of anything at this time. My mind is too muddled I'm afraid. I can vouch however that you and your people have taken very good care of me and I am most grateful." She sighed tiredly, offering Toren an apologetic smile. "Perhaps you are correct though and I should not waste any more of yours or Toren's time. I'm sure you both have tasks you must attend to and I have rest I should unfortunately be taking no matter how much it bores," she laughed dryly. "Thank you both for your time and attentions."

"Of course, we'll be out of your way now," Akakios agreed, giving Toren a pointed look that made the younger man flinch.

"Yes," Toren nodded sadly, though he tried to smile for her benefit. "I'll see you tomorrow, though, if you wish."

"If he has time," Akakios corrected, intending to keep them apart as much as he could without babysitting the issue. "And if you are well enough for visitors, of course." Toren frowned at that, not liking the implication his master was leaving. He certainly hoped Petal recovered easily enough, he didn't wish for her to suffer and he hated that Akakios seemed to enjoy her pain.

"Tomorrow," the slave promised, shuffling away so that Akakios wouldn't bodily drag him out of her room.

Not understanding the underlying meanings of what was being said, Ladybird giggled and shook her head. "Don't get in trouble on my behalf, Toren," she urged him with a soft smile. "Have a good evening gentlemen. Thank you both again for your assistance and I shall hopefully see you soon and with myself in a much better state."

Akakios was quick to follow his slave once he'd said his goodbyes. He watched him with hungry eyes and grabbed him by his arm once the door was shut behind them. Toren didn't look at his master even as he stiffened at his touch. He already knew what he was after, already knew the vampire was not sated by Petal's blood alone. It was an unfortunate routine he was familiar with, but he allowed himself to be pulled away to Akakios's bed for the night to shield her and others of the house from the violent rampage of bloodlust his master was quite known for.

By morning he was left pale and sore, writhing silently in his own personal hell as Akakios's venom pumped through his blood. He was sure he looked like a ghost after getting no sleep, but he couldn't stand to be near the vampire any longer when he finally rose to busy himself elsewhere.

With shaky hands he dressed himself and went down to the barren gardens, curious about what might have been done with it. Seeing it the same, though, and knowing Petal didn't know the house as he did, Toren decided to put himself to work setting out tools for her to eventually till the land and begin her delicate work of cultivating the soil. Anything he could do to make her job easier was useful in his mind at least.

Ladybird fell asleep not long after their departure despite her attempts to remain awake and read. Her sleep was pained and she woke early to an especially bruised and sore throat THST made even sipping water an arduous task. She did not remain abed long though. With the house seeming relatively quiet, she decided that it would be prudent of her to return to her work in the garden where she could be left alone to work unobserved.

"Toren!" She cried out hoarsely in surprise. "I didn't expect you here," she added as she moved to stand beside him. It was then she noticed how pale he looked. "Are you alright? Have you taken ill?" Her moved to feel his forehead but hesitated at the last moment as she realized what she was doing. "Sorry," she murmured sheepishly instead.

He nearly dropped what he'd been holding when he heard her, his hands fumbling clumsily to keep hold of it as he turned his head slowly to look at her. His eyes grew wide with worry for her to see him like that, and it pained him to know it was so very obvious to someone he'd known for so little time and it had been noticed that something was different about him.

Scrambling for some answer or excuse he stared at the ground and desperately tried to think of something believable to her that wouldn't accuse his master of anything he'd done. Thankfully his wounds were hidden beneath his clothes today, the most prominent and painful being a pair of bruised marks upon his shoulder. "Oh... I'm alright, don't worry about me. Just a little chilly this morning I guess," he lied. In reality he felt like he was burning up as his body fought with itself. He was tired and slow and hadn't gotten any rest at all.

Toren noticed the way she'd withdrawn her hand, but he tried not to take it personally. If nothing else he knew he couldn't hide the way his skin probably burned to the touch or the dark circles under his eyes marring his skin."Don't be sorry, I shouldn't even be out here. I was trying to make sure you had everything out here that you might need, but...well I guess I'm working quite slow today," he apologized. "Is there anything missing that you want me to bring for you?"

She pursed her lips in obvious displeasure as if fighting to bite back words she would later regret. "Toren you're making my instincts to mother you increasinly more difficult to resist. It's obvious you don't feel well. There's no sense in false bravado around me. I am your friend after all aren't I?"

Ladybird moved closer to him, looping her arms around one of his and hugging it closely as she watched his face with great concern. "While I greatly appreciate your help here Toren and am very touched by it I do not wish it at the expense of your health. I'm worried about you, truly," she told him before biting her lip unconsciously.

He struggled not to laugh at her admission, his eyes going wide with surprise that she had any thoughts of mothering him at all. After all, he was certain he looked much older than she did and it didn't occur to him that she might have meant it in a different way than a literal sense. "You are, you are," he chuckled nervously, distracted by a sudden, sharp stabbing as her innocent hug wretched a pained cry from his lips that he quickly tried to stifle.

Toren leaned closer to her so that his tender wounds wouldn't be jostled any more and gave her hand a gentle pat of apology, trying desperately to assure her as best he could that it was not her directly that had caused him pain. "I'm sorry," he whispered, gulping and wiping his brow of the fine sheen of sweat that had been brought on by the pain. He took a moment to quietly collect himself, beating back the pain from showing so plainly on his face so he could feel comfortable speaking with her. He desperately didn't want to have to explain to her the circumstances that caused him such pain now, but he knew he would tell her at least a partial truth if she pressed him for it.

"Truthfully I am not well, Miss Hornwort, you're right. I'll be well again soon enough, but I really don't want you to worry about me so much. I'm well enough to move a few things around for you and I am very happy to do that, I promise. I like feeling useful. Being idle makes me restless here because there's always something that could be done," he tried to explain, unsure if she would understand his reasoning.

Being so close to him, Ladybird did not miss the sound of his pain despite his efforts to smother it. Instantly, her gaze snapped to his face in worry and concern. "Oh Toren," she softly cried out as she gently took his hand in hers and led him to sit on a bit of broken wall. "How can you expect me not to worry?" she muttered back while pressing the inside of her wrist to his forehead. Her eyes widened to feel the fire burning under his skin.

"You have a fever! There's a difference between being idle and getting well; you should be in bed!" Ladybird cupped his cheeks in her hands, feeling more worried as she realized how clammy and heated the skin there was. "Friendship goes both directions, it isn't just you taking care of me but also me taking care of you, my poor friend."

The woman shook her head, looking as if she would cry as she caught her lip between her teeth. "Please come to the kitchen with me. I'm sure there's something in there that can help with the pain and sickness you must be feeling. I can't bear to see you suffer like this, Toren. Please?"

Toren let himself be guided but he felt pitifully weak to have Petal pointing out how feverish he was. He knew it was probably useless to deny it. "I'm fine, really! It isn't as bad as it seems, just a bit warm that's all," he tried to dismiss, wincing as he let her touch his warm face.

He hated that she looked so miserably sad on his behalf and he tried to look less hurting for her benefit but he knew she'd already seen through it at her prompting to go find a remedy. "It would be a waste of your time, Petal, honest. I've tried a lot of things and nothing ever works. Best to just...let it take its course, but if you really want to see for yourself then...I guess I can," he finally talked his way into agreeing, knowing he didn't officially have anything he was assigned to be working on at the time.

"Come on, just don't take too long or I'm sure Akakios wouldn't be pleased to see you tending to me," he warned, standing slowly to try to lead her back inside.

"And why would he care? Surely he would not wish you ill and unable to do your job. He does pay you to work after all and a sick worker is best kept at home. Come Toren," she urged soothingly, "I'm sure some mint and white willow bark will do nicely to cool that fever of yours and dull some of the ache I'm sure your poor bones must be feeling."

Ladybird stayed close to him as she guided him by the arm to the kitchen, a wary eye nearly always watching him to ensure he would not suddenly faint on her. She was immensely worried about her new friend and completely baffled by his reluctance to be cared for. It was soon brushed away though as a male disposition to take care of himself without a woman's gentler touch.

"Now you sit and don't get into trouble while I figure out what can be done for you, Toren. You weren't feeling this poorly yesterday were you? Oh Toren please tell me you weren't sick when you were looking after me! I would feel so awful knowing you were ill and still looking after me when you should have been resting." She bit her lip, one hand pressing over her mouth at the horrors her own mind was conjuring. "My poor friend," the young woman whispered softly to herself.

Toren could only wince for her naive understanding of his station, but he followed her obediently despite all her odd looks that had him feeling incredibly guilty for trying to hide from her. He desperately held a hand up to try to stop her frantic worrying after getting himself situated on a chair for her to treat him. "No, I was fine yesterday! I promise," he sighed, feeling sad and as if she might not take his word and simply believe him.

"Please don't worry over me so much, it isn't worth the time. I'll take whatever it is you'd like me to try...bark things. But my master has greater claim to me than any salary ever could." Truly the slave was unsure of how to explain such a thing to her. Would she even want to know? Would she be disgusted by him for knowing such an existence? Would he ruin her agreement with his master over it?

He wavered between telling her and not telling her for a while, watching her with a look of pure guilt despite having done nothing but conceal the truth from her. "He has never cared about any illness unless I truly cannot work with it. He accepts if I truly cannot but I know he must resent me for it. I am not kept on with a salary, though, as wonderful as that would be. He...owns me. I'm his property. Everyone is here. Except for you, of course," he chuckled nervously. "It has always been this way. He has owned me since the day of my birth.

"But please...don't let that trouble you at all. I only wished for you to know my circumstances. If I do not do as he wishes I am punished, simple as that."

She listened quietly and without judgement as he spoke and she bustled about the kitchen to find the ingredients she needed and to heat some water for tea. It upset her to know that Toren was a slave but not for the reasons that he feared. Ladybird was not fond of slavery despite living in a country where it was prevalent. To know that her friend was bound since birth to a life of servitude saddened her.

"Toren," she started clearly once he had finished, her eyes not leaving his face, "I want to thank you for your trust in me to share something so personal. I am sure it was very difficult for you. However, I wish you to know that this will not affect our friendship. You are a person and still my friend so don't think for a second I'm letting you out of that," she told him playfully with a smile and a wink.

Once more serious though she continued, "for your sake I will try not to get you in trouble with Lord Reolaras but I still very much care for you and your well-being Toren. If you are truly concerned about this," she waved her hand towards what she was doing, "then you can truthfully tell Akakios you are helping me with my research. You did promise to help me find something that would lessen the pain. I'm sure a flu's pain is something in comparison to that of a bite. It's definitely a start. If he truly has a problem with it then he can take it up with me. I do not fear him and I have committed no wrong."

He didn't think it was as big of a thing as she seemed to think it was. It was no secret, really, and he suspected she truly hadn't realized it before. Still, he smiled kindly at her for her continued playfulness. She was a good person, he had no doubts about that.

"Thank you. It's as much for you as it is for me. I don't know how he'd feel about you spending your time here on me instead of your work. I'll try not to let him know, unless he seems suspicious." He watched her preparing the tea in silence for a few moments, praying it would not taste awful once she had him try it. "It....isn't a flu," he admitted with a wince. He felt, again, like he was lying to her by omission. "But I hope your tea helps. I just don't wish to strain your business with him."

Ladybird glanced up at him pointedly as her head remained lower over her task. "This is my work. If he wishes our other contract to continue for a lengthy amount of time while he finds someone better suited then I truly feel I will need this as much as the next person. I wish you no harm and would not try anything I myself would not try so I see no harm." She returned to her work, shredding leaves and counting them quietly in her head. "You need not hide though Toren. I feel I have nothing to hide and it is better things are in the open then for assumptions be allowed to be made. I have already been on the wrong end of them once before with him and I would much rather not have to prove myself innocent over guilty again for him."

Her movements stilled slightly before resuming in a whirl as hot water was poured and leaves and bark were dropped in to steep. She tried not to react further to his admission though she now suspected exactly what the fever and pains were from. It did not please her to know though that if her assumptions were true, Akakios had needed still further feeding after his rather brutal attack upon her own person. He had claimed once or twice a week was enough and yet it seemed to her he had decided twice in one day was more his liking. It made her pause and ponder if she was not enough, not that was her concern but if it meant that Toren had to suffer because of it then she was most concerned and upset. She did not want to be found lacking in upholding her contract after all.

She quickly let the thoughts go though and took a seat beside Toren, offering him a cup as she took one herself. "Can't hurt if we both have some I suppose. I hope it helps and I'm sorry if it's a bit bitter." At this she glared down slightly at her own cup. "I do so hate mint," Ladybird muttered with slight disgust. "Thank you for your help this morning though," she told him more brightly. "I should be able to get to work with some of the digging and delegating it out now that the leaf litter has been just about cleared. I admit a bit of excitement though. I always do love seeing the bare bones and knowing its only the beginning to what may come. I just hope he'll approve of it once it's finished. I have such high hopes for it all."

Toren listened to her with his gaze averted and his head hung in slight shame for his only partial honesty about the situation. He felt she had a right to know eventually, but he was still frightened Akakios might squeeze it out of her that he'd talked.

Once he'd been handed the cup, though, he stared at it as it swirled slowly. He let the slight warmth of it creep into his skin, shivering as he realized how cold he was feeling despite the fever. Toren gulped down about half of it as she continued to speak, humming for her excitement. "I only hope it doesn't eat too much of your time. Akakios neglected it for this long, so I certainly hope he can wait for perfection to happen," he sighed, staring at his muddled reflection. Even there he looked pale and sickly and he hated himself for it.

"Don't let him rush you. Or discourage you. He's a very picky man but sometimes I don't think he even knows what he wants, just that he doesn't particularly like something... Just don't let him suck all the fun out of it for you," he said, idly swirling the liquid left in his cup with a gentle move of his hand. "This is...okay. Thank you. If I feel any difference at all...how long do you think it might be?"

"You worry too much, my friend," she responded with a warm smile. "I know it's a job and I really do take it seriously but I can't help but look at it as a side-challenge or hobby. As for the other thing well," Ladybird paused to sip her tea with a self-assured expression, "I have sisters. After them, I'm confident enough that he won't be able to manipulate or deter my enthusiasm too much. After growing up with the two of them there is little that upsets me. Not that my sisters are bad people just, siblings are trying I suppose."

She drank her tea quietly for a moment while thinking about his question and what she knew about the herbs she had used in it. "An hour at most I suppose. For the pain at least. The mint should have a more immediate, soothing effect provided you like it. It's supposed to help take the bitterness out of it too."

"I...wouldn't really know," he shrugged with an apologetic smile. "But I'm glad you're more...sturdy than most. You're going to need it." Such a short amount of time was surprising to hear and he sincerely hoped that it would work for them both. "It's....interesting," he conceded, tasting a bit more of her concoction. "It definitely leaves a....tingling sort of feeling in my mouth. Is that normal? Or bad? I don't think I've ever had much mint before," he confessed. "I would have remembered this...sensation." Toren played with his tongue a bit, his face screwing up slightly as he tried to determine if there was any actual pain in the feeling.

Upon waking from a short rest Akakios was immediately aware of the fact that his slave was no longer warming his bed. It wasn't at all unusual for Toren to want to get back to his regular routine rather quickly but that didn't leave the vampire any less hopeful and restless for an easy second round. Yet, the currently unobtainable Petal was even more so on his mind in that regard.

He rose to wander about his chambers a bit, resetting his belongings to where they should have been and dressing himself for a day holed up at his desk. His mind was still in a slight haze of blood lust. His recent feasting had left him greedier than before and feeling more ravenous than he'd been in a long while with a new source to feed from. Akakios couldn't get the taste of her out of his mind and he was ready to break their agreement right then and there if it meant he could just feed from her again.

Gorging himself in such a way would have been dangerous, though, and despite his desires he knew they were illogical in actuality. That didn't stop him from envisioning the young shopkeeper tied to his bed and at his mercy in all the ways that he desired her.

If he wanted that so badly he knew he could have gotten it, but he also had no desire to break her independent spirit for now. It would do him no good to ruin the potential improvements she could bring to his home nor her contractual obligation to feed him if he remained patient for her. The thought of shackling himself to the schedule they'd established long-term was maddening, but he was sure he could coax her out of it once they were more established and she more trusting in him.

He certainly had no intentions of finding another source when his current one was so delicious and, frankly, intoxicating. No, he wanted her for now and once he grew bored of whatever differences she held in her blood he would then find another, but not a moment sooner.

Ladybird giggled, understanding exactly what he feeling he was experiencing. "That's normal for the mint. Isn't it strange though how you can be drinking hot tea and yet have a cooling sensation in your throat? I usually prefer peppermint for this reason but its health benefits aren't quite as good from my understanding. Granted I'm no apothecary so what do I know anyway."

She sighed and shook her head slightly. "Toren do you know if anyone specific was assigned to assist with the garden work or if I need to ask Akakios for more assistance? I should probably get some more work done. There's a lot of ground that needs digging and tilling to try and get some life back into it. I'd like to plant some of the fall squashes before the seasons change and get too cold otherwise I'm not likely to be able to enrich the soil much for quite some time. I already know he doesn't approve of delays thanks to Agehneim."

Relieved the tingling didn't mean anything bad was happening to him, Toren nodded in agreement with her. He pondered her words about the garden work for a moment, trying to remember if his master had mentioned anything to him about it. "I don't think he mentioned anything to me, but I'd be happy to help you out if he'll allow me to," Toren offered before finishing off his tea so that he would get the full effect of what she'd wanted him to try. "I don't know much about planting...or gardening... but I take instruction well. I could ask him for you...if you'd prefer, though."

She smiled while biting part of her bottom lip indecisively. "Well I wouldn't want you getting into trouble, Toren. Akakios certainly seems to rely on your assistance heavily. What would you be doing normally if I wasn't here? And don't worry yourself about asking him. I can go up and do it myself. My neck may hurt but my legs aren't broken," she laughed, trying to keep the mood light.

"As for the work though, it isn't very complicated just rather labor intensive. I'm more worried though that it may make you more ill or hurt more my friend. Even with the tea it is best to not exacerbate the issue wouldn't you agree?"

"I'm well enough to be up, so I'm well enough to work if you need me," he tried to assure her, not wanting her to feel bad about asking him for help just because he'd been forced to expose weakness to her.

"My normal work is mostly...running errands for him when he is busy, which he almost always is. I keep up the house, assign tasks...I suppose I just serve as an extension for him of sorts to manage everyone and make sure everything gets done that needs to be. Usually that isn't much, but he's very particular as I'm sure you know. When he decides he wants something or that something needs to be done it has to happen quickly. I guess that's where I come in," he explained, shrugging because he didn't feel like it was all that important.

"If you'll let me and I'm not busy I would like to help you. Your job is mostly design and planting, right? You shouldn't have to do all the tilling and clearing," Toren sighed, shaking his head at the idea of her doing all of that herself for such a large garden. "Or I can go find him for you. Don't tire yourself out for his sake."

"I would more than welcome the assistance as long as you're positive that there is nothing else you must attend to. Really though the labor isn't all that bad, Toren. Help though is forever appreciated and Akakios did promise that as well though I'm sure not personally." Ladybird giggled at the thought. "I can hardly imagine him digging out there in the hot sun, can you?"

She sighed and relaxed some once her giggling settled and shook her head. "If you want I can show you what needs getting started on and then I can go find him and ask for others to assist. Would keep you happy then that I'm not playing in the dirt," she teased, sticking the tip of her tongue out quickly.

The idea of her alone again with his master was a little unsettling and gave him pause as he stared at her giggling, happy face. Toren knew very well what Akakios could be like after so much feeding and he didn't wish to unleash that monster upon her. "If you wish, but... I could definitely talk to him for you," he offered again. "Or bring him here. Unless you have...private matters to discuss along with that, perhaps," he shrugged, not wanting to intrude if that were the case.

"I will be happy so long as you don't overexert yourself," he told her honestly. "The last thing I wish to see is you hurting because of silly things you can have others do for you. If you only wish for me to get started, though, then let's go," he smiled slightly, reaching out to offer her his arm once he'd set down the tea cup.

Ladybird took his arm gratefully as they both headed back towards the courtyard. "Well let's get you to work so I can talk to him and hurry back to help. Sooner we get moving the sooner the work is done right? And I'll make a deal with you. If you don't over do it I won't. Sound good?"

When they made it back, she took to quickly showing Toren how to work at digging shallowly to lift and roll the soil for aeration. Once she felt that he was comfortable with it, she bid him luck and promised to return in no time at all as she herself headed to speak with the man of the house.

She reached the top of the stairs sooner than expected. It was not long at all before she was standing in front of Akakios' study door and smoothing her skirts to ensure she was presentable without any dirt stains. Only then did she knock tentatively on his door to gain his attention.

"Fair enough," he chuckled, happy enough to lead her back with such an easy agreement. He was careful to follow her instructions back in the garden, determined to put her mind at ease about his ability to do the work well. As she left him, though, Toren watched her until she disappeared. A somber, troubled look stubbornly remained with him. He worried about what might happen to her if his master was still in his mood, but he knew that he needed to let her handle it in order to gain her trust.

Akakios himself had not heard her approach being so absorbed in his reading. The knock had him lifting his eyes to it but he waited in silence for a moment to see if he could determine his visitor by any other sounds on the other side. When he heard nothing else he set his papers aside and went to answer it.

To see her there had his eyes dilating and nostrils flaring slightly as his eyes immediately focused on the spot he knew bore her wounds from the previous day. His work had been a very good distraction but all of his thoughts of before returned in full force with her standing before him. The vampire gradually became tense with the effort to resist the urge to seize her.

He stared at her with blatant hunger in his eyes for a few unusually long moments and was unable to shake himself of it even when he spoke. "Hello," he greeted her, his voice so gravelly he didn't even attempt to clear his throat to mask it. He didn't ask her what she wanted, if she needed anything, didn't even offer to let her into his office. All he had on his mind was blood, and mostly her blood, and his mind was a fog void of any other normal subject.

"Hello," she greeted back softly, her eyes filled with unvoiced concern. Ladybird found his behavior a bit odd but assumed that she was disturbing him during something important. Bowing her head she quickly apologized for bothering him. "Forgive me, I need but a moment of your time and I won't trouble you more. I am hoping to begin the next step in preparing the courtyard and was hoping to ask for some of the assistance from your staff that you suggested I could use."

Her words were spoken through a fog to him, entirely muffled where he knew she was speaking but did not truly hear what she'd said. Akakios only stared at her more in silence, his face blank of any indication that he'd heard her. He blinked slowly, his fangs exposed but hidden beneath his lips as the thought of feeding once again repeated endlessly in his mind.

Without answering her he reached out to seize her by her arms and yank her inside the room with him. An inhuman growl escaped him as he bared his teeth in a plea for blood, his eyes dark and emotionless as he bent his head to her shoulder. Already she smelled so different from the tea and it gave him enough pause to try and determine the new addition to her scent, curious that even her healing wounds bore a hint of it. "What did you do?" he growled at her accusingly, worried she had ruined herself somehow, his hungry mind paranoid that she might sabotage or poison him.

Ladybird gasped as she was dragged along but was in such a shock she did not even struggle for all his manhandling of her person. Instead she stared up at him in wide-eyed disbelief as he leaned into her with bared fangs. Her body trembled ever so slightly with confusion and worry yet she kept as still as she could for fear of provoking whatever madness seemed to have a hold of him.

When she answered him her voice was kept level and soft as if she were speaking to a spooked and injured creature of the wild. Her hand too moved unconsciously to gently rub his chest near his shoulder in slow, soothing circles. "I do not understand. I have not done anything save what has been asked of me. Have I somehow upset you milord?"

"You smell different!" he barked, his brow furrowing with confusion as he both jumped at her touch and gripped her arms tighter in his hands to keep her from using it as a means to run from him. "You did something," he accused her. "Something changed... You... I don't know but you're different now. Are you trying to kill me?" The vampire was suddenly incredibly emotional at the thought, paranoid that his worry was becoming true about her trying to poison him somehow. The delusional man thought her visit was some attempt at tricking him into feeding again, as he truly wanted, instead of the reality of her merely asking for his permission and assistance.

She physically jumped at his shouts and rough treatment but did her best to remain calm and nonthreatening. His accusations mad no sense to her and she tried to tell him as much. "Please Akakios you're hurting me," she pleaded while moving to lean into him. If he was so paranoid that she would flee then she was going to try her hardest to prove otherwise.

"I don't understand what you mean. I haven't done anything out of the ordinary and I most certainly am not trying to bring you harm. Since waking this morning all I've done is inspect the courtyard and drink some herbal tea I made myself for the pain," Ladybird tried to explain in the calmest voice she could manage. "Is that a problem? Should I not have done those things?" Her questions were of genuine concern rather than the sarcasm that others in her situation might have spouted.

Her even tone was at least a little bit calming, the lack of true fear seeming sincere even as she admitted to the pain he was causing. It gave him at least a small reason to have some faith in her. "Tea? Is that all?" The vampire trembled slightly with his efforts to be patient and not just take what he wanted. His hands loosened their grip slightly but kept enough pressure to remind her that he wanted her there.

"Just the courtyard and tea? Nothing else? ...what was in the tea?" Akakios demanded. "Why did you make it yourself? You couldn't have had a servant do that?" he scoffed, momentarily distracted from his bloodlust by the sheer absurdity of that fact.

"Just tea," she reassured with a gentle smile and nod of her head. "It was mint and willow bark and I made it myself because I am unaccustomed to having others do things for me. I'm sorry if this offends you, I just didn't think it would be an issue. Your staff is busy with other things, they hardly need me making such simple requests I can handle myself."

Her hand soothingly resumed some of its rubbing upon his chest as she gazed up in worry. "Those herbs I know are safe for humans and especially in the small quantities I used but are they a problem for vampires? I had not considered it an issue since you have just fed already and I would have a week before you would again which is more than enough time for the effects to have worn off. I was only looking to ease some of the pain and fever. I assure you no harm was meant."

"They are never too busy to accommodate a guest of mine," he growled lowly. "No matter what any of them say." Akakios breathed in her scent again with her explanation. He didn't know enough about her herbs and plants to know if she told the truth or not but her assurances hardly meant anything when he wanted to feed much sooner than she expected from him.

"I want it now," he complained, frowning stubbornly as he leaned against her, inhaling her scent yet again, uncaring if what she'd ingested might kill him now. "I need more."

Ladybird allowed her hands to slide up to rest on the fronts of his shoulders in concern. "Akakios when we made the contract you said only once or twice a week and that it is best to spread it out. It hasn't even been a day since your last meal. Does overeating not also make you ill in the same way it does humans? I don't wish to make you ill especially if you're concerned about the tea. I can get someone else if you'd like though." Her face was etched in such genuine concern that it was obvious she was a woman who wore her heart on her sleeve. Her eyes darted back and forth across his face as if to see signs of sudden illness just from him being in her close proximity.

"I'm fine," he lied easily, though he was jittery in his eagerness. His eyes remained dilated and void of emotion besides a wild hunger. "It's never been a problem before. What I told you is more of a...minimum for my sanity. Sometimes I need more, sometimes I need less. Right now I need more. A lot more. Won't you help me? Or are you going to let me suffer?" he bemoaned dramatically. "Starve because of a little discomfort on your part. You were well enough to come here, weren't you?" he pointed out, desperate to find any reason to feed from her again, desperate to prey upon her kindness and gentle heart. It was her that he wanted and craved and he wanted no part of another source at the time despite having no true need for any further feeding.

He looked anything but fone to her but that was not something Ladybird was brave enough to say out loud to his face. Instead she attempted to continue to persuade him otherwise. The idea of him feeding again broke her heart. She was divided between her desire to help and her own self-preservation.

"Akakios forgive me but I am not recovered enough to provide what you desire. It is more than a little discomfort as it is my life's blood. Without it I will cease to exist and therefore be unable to continue to fulfill wother of the two contracts I have with you. Even if you feed a little it would mean that the work for our other contract would be even further delayed as I will need more time to recover. We do not even know if I would be able to recover in time to feed you again by the end of the week. That is not something I wish to risk for your own health and safety. If you truly are in need I can get someone else for you. Surely there is someone else who can aid you during the days I am not present, would you care for me to get them?"

All he heard was her rejection, the rest of her words cloudy as he tried to focus on them. He felt as though he would die without her blood in that moment, his mouth opening as he leaned into her further, the tips of his fangs pressing against what exposed skin he could find. Yet he knew he had to obey her or risk losing her trust. A cry of frustration escaped him as he lifted his head and dropped his hands away from her, the vampire shaking with the effort to restrain himself.

"What do you need from me, then? Why did you come here?" he asked, desperate to keep his voice calm and even as he avoided looking at her directly. He returned to his desk but could not bring himself to sit down.

She trembled with adrenaline once he released her and retreated. Part of her rejoiced that she would not have to endure further pain at that moment while the other sank with worry that she could not help him more. Smoothing her skirts and adjusting her sleeves, Ladybird attempted to recompose herself.

"Forgive me for not asking earlier it must have slipped my mind. I wished to enquire about the use of some of your staff as laborers in the courtyard. There's some digging and tilling of the soil that needs doing and you suggested that I come to you when I was ready for assistance. In the future should I still come to you wish such requests or is there someone else I should make my enquiries to in order to not disturb you?"

He focused on actually listening to her request the second time around, the vampire nodding as if he'd expected it. "Of course," he answered quietly. "You may come to me still, to be sure there isn't something urgent I need them for. Speak with Toren, though, so he can choose. I will inform him for you today, there's no need for you to be doing that kind of work, especially in your...condition," he reminded her.

Not realizing she had already seen him today Akakios moved to walk past her to seek out his favored human.

"Oh you needn't worry yourself. I can speak to him," she informed him while placing a gentle hand on his arm. "I already feel poor enough for being unable to help you right now. Allow me to take care of this for you. I would not wish to make you feel worse by running errands for me. I'll need to give him the instructions for what needs doing anyway as I do not think it wise for me to lead by example given my condition as you've put it. Thank you though. I'm sorry for troubling you Akakios," she apologized sincerely with a tight smile.

Ladybird truly did feel guilty for not being able to provide for him as he needed. She was able to console herself slightly though with the fact that it was outside of her contract for this exact reason. If she died as his food then he would be without food until he could find a replacement, something he was already trying to do and as far as she could tell, not succeeding in.

The woman had another motive also though for intervening with his message run. If Akakios could smell the herbs on her then he most certainly would smell them on Toren. She wished to spare Toren the same reaction she had received. The poor man seemed to have been through enough without her good intentions paving a path to hell for him. While she had told him she would stand up to Akakios in such a situation, something she felt she would actually do, Ladybird did recognize a need for diplomacy to avoid altercations altogether. In a few hours the scent would wear off and there would be no need for Akakios' wrath. She could only hope though that the nobleman would be willing to bend on this matter.

He stopped for the hand she laid upon him, the vampire puzzled as he looked down at where she touched. Her words made sense and yet did not all at once. Why should she care if he was inconvenienced? They had their own arrangements and he did not see why she might want to concern herself with anything else in his house besides them.

"If you wish," he finally agreed, relaxing and taking a step back to stand before her instead. "But come straight to me if he gives you any trouble. Please. I'll handle it." Akakios inhaled a final breath of her odd herb-infused scent before retreating back to his desk, not finding it odd at all that she wished to go to Toren herself. If they truly were not lovers he was certain they were very close. He would need to watch them still, he was still skeptical about the "truth" to what they claimed and he would not stand to be made a fool in his own home.

Toren had remained where she'd left him in the garden, working at a slow pace to accommodate the pain that stuck with him still. He kept looking to the windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, to be certain she was well and safe.

"Of course, of course," she replied with a smile and a nod. "Thank you again for your time and I'm sorry to have disturbed you. I'll go give Toren your instructions and then have a bit of a rest I think. It's been enough excitement for this morning I believe. Have a good day, Akakios if I do not see you again," she gently bid with a wave of her hand as she slowly walked away.

Once she was out of sight, Ladybird thought she would burst from practically holding her breath. She paused at the top of the stairs with a hand to her chest so that she might recover from the adrenaline of the moment. Akakios had given her quite the fright despite her level-headed and calm demeanor in his presence. She therefore ever grateful to whatever deity presently smiled upon her for allowing the nobleman to back down to her requests. She could only imagine what kind of trouble Toren might be in for smelling the same as her. It would not be the first time Akakios had assumed wrongly about the two of them with less evidence. Ladybird hardly wished to fan that fire.

Taking the steps as quickly as she dared she found herself back in the courtyard in no time. Her smile was slightly forced but nonetheless warm as she praised him for the work he had already accomplished. "I really cannot thank you enough, Toren. You're doing a wonderful job. I spoke with Akakios though and he said I should speak with you," she told him with a bit of a tense giggle. "He said you would be in charge of seeing to acquiring other assistants. Is that alright with you though? I'm sorry to create more work for you."

Once she'd left him Akakios stood in the same spot just staring at the door in a haze. He listened to her walking away until he could hear her no longer as his mind screamed at him to chase her down and take what he truly wanted.

Perhaps it had been her calm demeanor or the way she had attempted to soothe him, but he knew it would have been too much to steal from her again so soon. It was the right thing to do and yet he tortured himself for it.

The vampire paced about his office restlessly, keeping an ear out in the event that she decided to return to him after all. When she didn't, though, he finally forced himself to go retake his seat and resume his work as if he'd never had the disruption at all.

He kept himself there reading and working, trying to clear his mind of the fog that could only tell him to seek her out and feed.

Toren was startled by her voice but was happy to hear it. It meant she'd survived her visit, at least. Her words of praise made him blush a bit. It wasn't often that he received even a small kindness like that.

"Oh, it's nothing," he dismissed. He wasn't surprised by his master's decision at all, though he wished he'd been able to get it for her and not have her going to him herself as she had. It worried him to feel like he was endangering someone who simply didn't understand how aggressive his master could be when he was crazed.

"I figured as much, I'll round up some of the younger ones to finish this," he promised with a slight bow of his head. "Don't worry, it's what I'm here for. Is there anything else I can assist you with? Please don't think of it as troublesome to speak up if you need my help, Petal. I'll find out eventually," he teased her.

Ladybird laughed and shook her head. "I'll always need your help, Toren. That's what friends are for after all. Seriously though you are doing quite well and I am extremely grateful for all that you are doing to help me. It means so much to me to have someone to rely on," she told him with a warming smile.

She reached forward for the tools in his hands. "If you get the help now I can take over until you get back and help with setting them up before setting them loose." Remembering Akakios' reaction to her though, Ladybird gently placed a hand on Toren's bicep to gain his attention more fully. Then, in a lower voice she warned him, "I suggest avoiding him for now. He does not seem to be overly fond of the scent of the tea and it would probably be best not to make him more grumpy than he already is," she added while rolling her eyes slightly to show how silly she had found the nobleman's behavior.

Toren was very pleased to hear her praises, simple as they were. It warmed his heart to know she genuinely appreciated him and his efforts. Truthfully he didn't think he would ever tire of anything she asked if she remained the same in her attitude towards him as a slave of the house.

He let her have the tools without complaint, nodding in agreement with her plan. As he turned to leave, though, her warning had the smile leaving his face. If she'd seen his master and merely described him as grumpy he suspected she had been through much worse.

"I'm very sorry, Petal, I really should have gone to him instead of you. I know he can be quite insufferable when he's...'grumpy,'" he apologized, sighing and shaking his head. "Thank you, I hope he's not roaming about but I'll keep an eye out anyway. I'll just be a few minutes, I promise. Don't work too hard," he bid her kindly, finally turning to re-enter the house.

He was quick to make his way to the servants' quarters and pluck two of the younger men from their idle game of cards. He would have fetched a third but he felt himself capable enough to assist in her work. His days were usually spent at his master's side and for both his own reasons and Petal's he did not wish to see him very much if he could help it, at least until he was more himself again.

"Petal!" he called to her once he'd returned to the garden. "This is Thomas and James," he introduced, pointing to each as he named them. They were clearly ogling at the new young lady, having never seen her, but Toren was quick to shoot them a stern glare. "And this is Miss Hornwort. She is a very important guest to our master. It would be in your best interest to be on your best behavior and do as she instructs you," he warned, hoping they could be civil and not embarrass him. "I'm sure our Lord will be pleased if you do well for her," he added, hoping it might be enough encouragement for them to take things seriously, though he had little faith given they were about ten years his junior.

"Hello, Miss," James greeted, waving with feigned shyness and a giggle even as Thomas elbowed him lightly for it.

"What will you be needing from us?" Thomas asked more directly, praying and hoping they could return to their games soon.

Ladybird brushed aside his apologies concerning Akakios. In her eyes no wrong had been committed and she was glad it had been her and not Toren. 'At least," she thought to herself, 'as a free citizen I have the right to walk away from him unlike Toren. It is the least protection I can give for all the goodness he has shown me in this short and odd time.'

By the time Toren returned, Ladybird had already doubled the area Toren had been working in although there was still much that needed doing. Her familiarity with the task from years of working with her father had made the work rather simple for her though she was grateful for her friend's return. Ladybird was already starting to feel exhausted much to her great disappointment.

She nevertheless greeted the newcomers with a bright smile as she repeated their names. "It is a pleasure to meet you both gentlemen. You can just call me Petal, everyone else does. I'm going to be needing your help with digging up the soil bit by bit. I hope you can forgive me I know it is rather boring work but with your help I'm hoping we can get the first layer done before noon when it gets too hot to work. Then, after lunch depending on the condition of the deeper soil I can assess if we need to dig deeper. I certainly hope that isn't the case though."

The woman motioned to the tools Toren had taken out earlier. "If you both take a shovel Toren and I can show you want to do. We don't want to dig too deep if we don't have to you see. We're just taking some of the surface off to loosen up the ground for planting. Shall we get started then?" She handed the shovel back to Toren with a wink before moving to help demonstrate what she wanted done.

The young men seemed a bit hesitant, casting quick glances to each other at the thought of doing work under her command for the better part of the day. "And Master approves of this?" Thomas asked hesitantly, giving Toren a skeptical glare that was answered with a stubborn wall from the favored slave.

"Yes. He does. In fact, he entrusted every bit of this work and direction to her, so please show some respect," he warned them. James was quick to avert his eyes respectfully, nodding and moving to take up a shovel as instructed. Thomas held out a bit longer but eventually moved as well, not wishing to earn Toren's ire nor his master's.

"If you say so," he muttered, taking up a shovel with uneasy hands. Neither of the boys had ever done much with them.

Toren happily took what she held out to him, shooting her an apologetic smile for the sass she'd had to witness. "It's quite easy," he assured them, demonstrating his own method slowly so that that might watch and take note of how he worked. "But perhaps Petal can show you better. Might take some getting used to, but I promise we won't work you too hard."

She pretended to ignore Thomas' sass as she fiddled with picking a shovel for herself. As they all returned to work, Ladybird offered praises readily, thanking and encouraging each of the men with genuine warmth. Noticing Thomas struggle though to some persistent dead roots in the area where he was working, she stopped what she was doing and went over to him.

"May I?" she offered, reaching towards his arms while gently asking permission to touch him. "If you adjust your grip it can help take the strain off your shoulders and back. I really cannot thank you enough for your help today. You have no idea how much the help from all three of you is saving me. I'm forever grateful."

The men worked easily enough once she had taught them the basics. Toren kept an eye on the younger ones, working a bit slower than the rest as his shoulder still pained him quite a lot despite her tea. He watched as Thomas startled at her kindness and gentle hands as she corrected him, the boy clearly mesmerized at the stark contrast between her and their master who often took to immediate violence if something was not done in the proper way, as he saw it.

The boy blushed, feeling guilty for the attitude he'd given her when she was being so thankful. He was sure he'd never received such praises in all his life, and especially not from a lady. "Thank you, ma'am," he mumbled, adjusting his posture as she'd guided him to do.

"No need, lady, just doing our duty," James assured her.

"It's what he keeps us for, among other things of course," Toren explained, though he thought enough to spare her the details among mixed company. They were certainly slaves bound to their master, but they received no monetary pay for their efforts. Board, clothing, food, and the occasional treat when their master was feeling generous, but unless they had family on the outside to help none of them would ever have the option to buy their freedom. Akakios operated on a vague credit system for years of service rendered, but Toren knew quite well that it only seemed a distraction to keep the morale of his staff.

"Ack," she cried in mock-disgust. "None of this ma'am and lady. It's Petal and if I hear anything else from this point forward I'll wrestle you down into the dirt. Don't think I won't either," she teased with a stern look that was quickly ruined by her brilliant smile and the wink she sent their way.

Ladybird paused for a moment as she decided whether or not it would be wise to say what was on her mind. She soon raised her chin though with determination. "Just because it is your duty as we all have those, does not mean it is any less appreciated or that it goes unrecognized. I dare any of you to say otherwise although I warn you I'll tussle with you as good as any other boy.

"Now then, if we continue at the rate we're going we may be done even sooner than I had expected which would be excellent. We could break early for lunch even, wouldn't that be nice?" Ladybird was cheerful and upbeat yet it was obvious to herself if not to the others that she was flagging. Her body ached terribly and the effort to lift the shovel was killing her. Her throat felt like it was on fire where Akakios had bit her and she was out of breath far too easily. She nevertheless did her best to hide how the exertion of her efforts was affecting her. The woman was determined to show she could work beside the men just as hard.

Toren couldn't help but smile to see her chastising the boys so freely, and their wide-eyed looks of helpless confusion certainly were worth their momentary discomfort. It was a moment to forget his pain, to laugh as he watched them scramble to correct themselves.

"Sorry!" James pleaded, his eyes panicked as he feared not only punishment from his master but some unknown woman besting him in a bit of roughhousing. Truly he was too fearful of finding out if she could hold her own because it meant gambling that she couldn't. If he lost he would surely be the butt of endless jokes.

Thomas was wary and quiet as he watched James, surprised he seemed genuinely worried about what the small woman could manage. "I'll do you the honor of not dirtying your clothes Mi- ...Petal," he mumbled, turning his head away sharply as he and James got back to work at a feverish pace if only to avoid her. "And...lunch would be good," he admitted.

Toren was as much relieved as amused, the older man taking it as a signal for himself and Petal to take it a bit easier if the boys were willing to work for her. "I'm sorry about them," he snickered, though he was certainly more proud than sorry. "I suppose I chose correctly, hm?"

The slave studied her, thinking she looked a bit pale still but not quite picking up how much she was suffering. He resumed his slow work and kept a closer eye on her. He hoped that getting the job done soon might let her relax enough to rest properly. "Don't push too hard," he reminded her gently.

Ladybird giggled at James reaction but rose a mischievous brow at Thomas' slip. Unable to help herself, she scooped up a small clump of dirt when he was not looking and gently tossed it at his leg. "I heard that slip," she teased, bursting into more giggles for her own childishness. "And you needn't apologize Toren, you chose a lovely pair of very helpful young men. I could not ask for better." She quickly waved away his worries though, cursing herself for being weak in front of him and making him worry. "I'm fine," she insisted, gripping her shovel tighter while resting against it so she did not fall over. "How are you though? Still feeling under the weather?"

Her playfulness had only earned her a warning glare from Thomas, the boy harmless but not wanting her to make a habit at throwing things at him even if it was harmless. They left them to talk, though, knowing that the faster they got the work done the faster they could return to their lounging.

Toren watched the way she leaned against the shovel critically, certain she had gone too far and already hurt herself and was only trying to save face now. "A little, but I'll be alright. I hope you understand my master will have my hide if you're harmed under my watch," he warned her. "Perhaps you should rest and let us finish this," he suggested nervously, casting a glance to the door across the yard.

"I don't want to be the only one not working, Toren. It's unfair to the rest of you who are working so hard on my behalf. I'm not a slacker and I won't laze about on the job while the rest of you plug along. What would Akakios think of me if I didn't work? I would not wish to face his disappointment."

She smiled thankfully at him and reached out to pat his shoulder. "You just don't overdo it. I promise if I need rest I'll take it. I just am excited about this and wish to see it through. As it is it looks like we may have to dig another layer after lunch. Do you know how long it has been since this courtyard was taken care of? The soil is looking very drained."

"He might see you as a lady, which is honestly not a terrible thing considering you are one," Toren grumbled, his words not unkind. "The women here are rarely expected to do much physical labor," he added in explanation.

"The yard, though..." Toren looked around, trying to remember if he could recall any true groundskeeper ever caring for the lands of the estate. "Probably several years, I don't know that I've seen anyone tend to it in my lifetime, honestly," he admitted, hoping that she would not be punished for the topsoil being poor. "We can take care of that, though, you should probably be resting," he urged her, unable to resist his desire to protect his friend and minimize her hardship.

"Pfft," Ladybird scoffed before making a raspberry. "Where's the fun in being a lady when all ladies do is be stiff and boring? That's certainly not the life for me." She smiled cheerily even as she shook her head. "No matter about the yard though. It just needs a little help and it will be well enough eventually. It's quite common actually from too much planting or disuse. There are others who know more about it actually which is actually a good point," she mused allowed. "I believe I will have to speak with Akakios about bringing in a second opinion I believe. If my suspicious are correct then it would be best to plant the right things in order to replace the lost soil nutrients. Yes, I think I may do that," she said with a nod and a smile.

"As for resting," the woman added pointing a teasing finger in his direction, "don't think I managed to sidetrack myself away from that. I'll rest after lunch when the sun is too bright for me. If you're well enough to work then I don't see how I wouldn't be. I do this for a living after all. James and Thomas how are you both holding up?"

Toren could only shake his head, knowing in his heart she would choose what she wanted as he quietly wished she might choose the easier path.

The idea of a second opinion didn't seem like the land was very promising, in his eyes. The slave smiled apologetically despite it not being his fault in the least. "A second opinion? Sounds quite serious when you say things like that. You would save a lost cause because of it, I'll bet. I'm sorry he gave you such a...challenge in all this," he apologized, though he flinched at her determination to stay working so long as he was. In reality, all he wanted was to curl up indoors in the cold and dark.

"Fair enough," he conceded, turning to continue his area of the work as he looked ahead to the pair of younger men.

"Fine!" James chirped.

"Good, I guess," Thomas had spoken at the same time, lifting his head and wiping his brow of sweat before continuing on in the rhythm he'd fallen into.

"I'll get back to work," Toren chimed in, though it was difficult for him to hide the tiredness from his voice to sound as chipper as the boys. After having paused in his efforts, though, a flash of white blinded his vision as he tried to continue on, the sudden pain stabbing into his back leaving him unable to hide for a few moments. His lips twisted into a grimace and he only barely stifled a cry that left him quivering for a moment instead.

The shovel was stuck firmly into the ground again as he leaned upon it to catch his breath and let the pain subside. A shiver of disgust ran through him as his tense shoulder reminded him all over again of the searing pain of the vampire's fangs and the cruel venom that still poisoned his body. The tea, while soothing and tasteful, had not rid his body of the toxin.

He did not and could not burden Petal with it, though, the slave hanging his head in shame as he waited for it all to dull down. Pain was nuisance and nuisance was worthless when it came to their work.

When it finally did he pulled the blade from the earth and resumed his work in silence as though it had never happened at all. Blanched skin and tired, slightly dazed eyes were the only remaining signs.

She smiled at the pair of young men, bobbing her head in acknowledgement but otherwise allowing them to work without her distracting them further. If she had not turned to look back at Toren, Ladybird never would have seen the pained look on his face or the way he turned visibly pale and still. For several moments she fought with herself to rush to his side and find out what was wrong or to find another way that would not shame him in front of the other men.

With slightly pursed lips, the young woman softly called out to him before waving him over once she had his attention. "Toren, I need your assistance I'm afraid." As soon as she said it, Ladybird realized just how true it was. Her intention had been to have him escort her inside on the pretense that she had overdone it outside. However, now that she took the moment to pause, the exhaustion hit her like a runaway carriage and she momentarily swayed before catching herself. It seemed they both would be needing a rest now.

At the sound of her voice Toren knew he'd been caught. Fearful eyes lifted to look out to her, a pitiful begging within them for her to not speak of his weakness with others so near. It was no secret in the house what Toren was to Akakios, but he didn't like to be seen as less capable for it as he often simply was. When he saw her falter, though, his face softened a bit as he bit back the pain so that he might go to her. He could only assume she felt as bad as he did and needed a break.

Setting the tool aside he held out his arms to her and lifted his chin towards the door. "We'll be just a little while, Thomas. James," he nodded to each, smiling for her benefit as convincingly as he could. "Please finish this and feel free to take a break if we do not return before then. I'll fetch you for the afternoon," he explained, though he was in quite a hurry to be indoors again. His body ached to simply lie down for a few moments.

"Thank you," she whispered once they were indoors and out of earshot. "I know that was a rat move on my part but we both had face to save. We're certainly a pair aren't we?" Ladybird let out a mirthless chuckle while fighting to not lean heavily on Toren. She knew if he had been bitten like she had then he would be feeling just as horribly, probably worse as it was most likely that he had been bitten after she had and therefore was suffering fresher pain than she was. "Will you be allowed to rest at all?"

"I wouldn't dare call us a pair in this house, Petal," he chuckled, his smile pained though he really was trying for her benefit. "But certainly privately, if you'll keep it that way. As for rest... My master cannot be unhappy with me if he does not know, can he? If you'll keep my secret, I pray he might not be enraged by my slacking." The slave sighed, feeling awful for relying so heavily upon her. It was just so easy with her natural kindness and warmth to be at ease with her.

"I won't dare try it, though, I'm afraid. Far too great a risk when this work in nearly complete. If I could just sit down a moment to catch my breath I think I can carry on with it," he offered, already moving to head towards a pair of nearby chairs in a small sitting area off the hall that were angled towards the windows to the courtyard. In reality, they were beloved by his vampire lord. When the grounds had been lively and well kept in many years' past it had been a favored spot of a past lover for morning tea.

Ladybird kept silent as she listened and observed. When he moved to escort her to the seats, she placed a hand on his forearm. "Toren is it possible we can have lunch brought to us and you escort me upstairs? I'm afraid I'm taking a bit of a turn for the worst," she requested, stretching the truth slightly. While it was true that she felt simply dreadful she was not nearly as bad off as she claimed. "If it is not too much to ask would you also mind staying with me just in case I worsen further? I'd feel more comfortable if it was you rather than another servant. I trust you to handle the situation with calm should it be necessary."

"The situation?" Toren hissed through gritted teeth, truly terrified she might die or go into some shock at any moment. "You better not be dying on me. Gods help us all if you are," he lamented, though he was quick to divert them down the hall so he could bring her back upstairs.

He sent her request through to the cook via a passing kitchen maid but the slave was still anxious that Petal get anything she needed or wanted in such a crucial time if she was truly in danger. "And you can make it up the stairs?" he asked skeptically, worried about the effort taxing her too severely. "I can certainly carry you if you'd be more comfortable that way," he insisted once they'd reached the front of the house again.

"Toren, Toren, Toren," she whispered, trying to gain his attention and calm him. "Calm down. I'm fine. I'm not going to die, I just don't feel well. And you most certainly will not be carrying me, I'm not that bad off. I just need some food and rest and someone to keep an eye on me now that I had that tea. Now don't argue with me and just walk with me up the stairs. It's only a worst case scenario and not what the present case." She shook her head in disbelief but the smile on her face did not disappear. It warmed her a bit inside to know she had such a good and caring friend. Ladybird only hoped he would allow her to return the favor properly.

The slave regarded her with skepticism. Did she really mean for him to let go of such a sudden statement? Such a thing seemed urgent and he was wary of leaving it to chance and misplaced pride.

He wanted so much to protest but her request of his obedience was something he could not deny her even feeling as awful as he did. "You are truly a mystery," Toren sighed, securing his arm around her firmly in support before stepping carefully to lead her back upstairs. "How long am I to keep an eye on you?" he asked warily, already casting a furtive glance towards the direction of his master's quarters even before they'd reached the landing.

She chuckled softly at his comment. "All women are, Toren. Just the way we're built." As they ascended Ladybird patted his arm kindly and reassuringly. "If you're worried about the courtyard you won't be in trouble. It's my responsibility and as long as the job gets done Akakios shouldn't be displeased. I don't intend to keep you from your other work for long either, just a few hours really. I'm sure if he'll understand if he asks and once I explain. Really Toren, please try not to worry," she soothed as they entered her room at last. "We just both need the rest," she whispered to him with a pointed look.

"With respect, Petal, my master can choose to be displeased with me whenever he desires," Toren reminded her, hating that he was bound in such a way. It was just the way of things, though. If Akakios chose to have mercy than he might not be punished for assisting her but he was always free to do as he wanted. He didn't think that smart to tell her in such detail, though, no good would come of him bad-mouthing Akakios to her.

"I can manage, though," he insisted, though he was decidedly not all right. "I will rest if you insist upon it, but please don't trouble yourself too much for my sake. Before you I survived and I will survive after your job is done."

He directed her back to her quarters, guiding her gently by the arm and insisting upon getting the door for her. If nothing else he wanted to help her get settled and comfortable. "You might wish to talk to him eventually, Petal. It won't be good for you to be working outside the day after such a taxing thing. Perhaps ask if he might adjust his...schedule to accommodate you to cause the least discomfort possible."

"I insist," she cut in firmly. "You will let me be a friend to you Toren because that is what friends are for. Akakios did not require me to work, that was my choice and a bit of a foolish one at that but nonetheless my own choice. He can be as displeased as he wants but then does not mean I will allow him to take that out on you. I may be incapable of protecting you from everything but as a friend I will do my best just as I know you already do for me."

Ladybird smiled knowingly at him as they entered the room and she closed the door quietly. "No sit yourself down and prop your legs up so you can get a bit of rest. I doubt I can convince you to lay in the bed anyway and I know you probably feel ten times worse than I do right about now if my suspicions are correct."

She sighed softly as she sat herself on the edge of her bed. "Have some faith in me, Toren. I know I can't make your life perfect or even close, but at least let me do what I can to help. I'm not going anywhere, even with this is done I'll still be your friend. I hope that you'll still be mine too..."

He was honestly quite stunned at her sentiments, his eyes going a bit wide as he sat down on a chair nearest to her bed. Toren just stared at her, uncertain why she was acting so differently towards him compared to other "guests" of the house through the years. None had ever dared claim such passionate friendship let alone promise to remain close in the future.

Toren could only assume, sadly, that her fate would be like all the others before her and that he would one day be burying her somewhere among the gardens she was working to build. It was at least nice for her to think of him as a part of her future instead of him thinking of her as a part of his past.

"That's all very kind, Petal, but I wouldn't worry about your suspicions at all," he spoke softly, flashing an encouraging smile as he adjusted to drag the chair closer to the bed so that they might still talk. "If you wish it I would happily remain your friend, of course, it is just not very often ladies make such an offer to someone like myself," he teased her lightheartedly. "Now is there anything you need? Anything at all I can fetch you before your food arrives?"

Ladybird crossed her arms over her chest, adopting a very clear expression of determination expectation, much like a mother would before addressing a wayward child. "Now Toren, I can change everything about the way things are but when it comes to our friendship we are nothing more than two people, Toren and Petal. I understand that in public it cannot necessarily be so but in private it most certainly will be and I shall not stand for anything else unless of course you decide you do not wish to be friends which you have every right to do. You are my friend, Toren and that means something very special to me," she told him with a fond smile as she adjusted and relaxed herself against the pillows propped up against the headboard.

"Now then the only things I require of you are the knowledge as to whether or not you also ensured that you would be having lunch with me and a promise you will rest here after lunch." Ladybird offered him a teasing scowl that lasted only a few mere seconds before she was giggling. "If you refuse either I may be forced to jab you with a spoon, dear friend and I'm not sure how that will really go given my short reach but I'm prepared to go to such measures."

He was surprised by her insistence but it truly warmed his heart to hear it. It was a rare treat to have someone so fond of him and he would gladly take what attention he could if she was that determined to give it. "I wish to be... Thank you," he told her honestly, nodding his head respectfully despite her playfulness.

"I will eat with you, yes, I just... Don't know how it might go if he finds me resting with you here." The slave cast a nervous look behind them at the door. "I know you will give your reasons for wanting me here but that doesn't keep him from retaliating once you are gone," he pointed out with a sudden sadness. Perhaps he was far too worried but the slave's paranoia was real and quite founded. His master was not a pleasant man when he felt he'd been disobeyed. More than anything he knew he hated feeling undermined, uncertain how he would perceive him taking orders from his guest.

"I suppose we should just enjoy what time we have, though. I'd hate to ruin a good spoon with slave blood," he teased her, looking away again as a gentle knock sounded. He was up as quickly as he could manage and went to retrieve their food. Petal's arrangement was clearly far superior to the slave's simpler meal. Taking it over to her he plucked his bowl off of it before presenting her with the tray and taking his seat once more. "There we are."

Her opinion differed with his but she kept her thoughts to herself, unwilling to stress him further with the notion that she would do everything in her power to protect him. She only hoped she could be enough. Ladybird thanked him nonetheless once he retrieved their lunch though her gaze was quickly focused on the differences in their foods. It caused her lips to purse as she looked first from one bowl to the next.

She had fresh bread, stew, and even some cut fruit while his own stew looked more watery soup. With a determined and swift move her hands, she quickly tore her little loaf of bread in half and placed it on his lap with a pointed look that dared him to argue. "Stew's no good without bread to dip in it. If you're going to be looking out for me then you need to keep your strength up, right?" Ladybird dared him to protest even as she popped a crisp apple slice into her mouth and chewed slowly.

He ate slowly, the warmth in his hands and belly enough to comfort him a little. The bread she offered, well forced upon him was met with a concerned stare. Toren picked it up and made to return it to her but then he noticed the way she was looking at him.

He opened his mouth to protest instead, but no words came. "You should not share so much with me," he warned her, though he wasn't exactly sure how Akakios could ever punish her for not eating and happening to allow him to eat instead. It was a tricky thing and he really did not wish to find out that day. Or ever.

"Thank you, though," Toren finally added, gingerly tearing off a small piece to pop into his mouth to humor her. "I must admit I feel a little bad for leaving them down there." He flinched, casting a troubled glance at the door again as he heard footsteps drawing near. They went by without stopping, though. Just a maid, perhaps.

She ignored his suggestion but nodded her head at his thanks. "You needn't worry for them so I think. Once they finish I'm sure they'll return to whatever it was they were up to before. They certainly seemed eager to. When I return next week I'll see about bringing something to share with them to help ease the work if they become regular assistants. Good help should always be rewarded no matter the cause or person."

Ladybird ate slowly, feeling sore and tired. She did not dare stop though for fear of earning a disapproving look from Toren or even another pleading word. She understood that she made him uncomfortable and some of it she would allow him but she was too stubborn to allow his fears rule hers. "Is...is it really that bad, Toren?" the young woman asked him in a very quiet voice. "Is there...abuse?"

She certainly didn't have to pay the boys from her own pockets, the thought alone leaving him with a bit of a scowl. He didn't want to admit that a reward would probably earn her their undying loyalty, though.

Her gentle voice roused him from his reflections, the questions making him tense considerably. There definitely was abuse but his tired, haunted eyes stared in wonder for how she'd guessed it so clearly. It wasn't something he was at liberty to reveal, though, much as he wished he could be honest with her. His voice belonged to Akakios in his home.

"My master is a very kind man. Always so patient and lenient with me," he praised in slow speech. His eyes closed briefly in shame and he nodded in a subtle gesture she hoped she might understand without further prying at their current location.

Ladybird caught the nod and after staring at him for a moment, offered a nod of her own in return. There was no hiding the defeated sadness displaying so painfully clear upon her face. "I'm sorry," she replied quietly," then a beat later added, "I hope you do not believe I was wishing to offend or accuse." She tried to offer him a small smile but it did not have the warmth that usually filled her smiles.

Glancing towards the stack of books beside her though she had an idea. "Toren, please forgive me as I mean no insult but would it bother you if I read aloud? I am eager to delve more into these plant books here but I just know if I do it quietly I will nod right off to sleep and I'm unwilling to do that as of yet. I really should be doing something productive with my time here."

He caught her nod and for a moment a flash of panic shot through him. What if she betrayed him to his master? Of course he hadn't really said anything about it but implying anything was enough for Akakios as they had so painfully been made aware in the recent past. Rumor was enough for him.

"I don't mind at all, but... Wouldn't you rather get some rest?" He frowned and set his meal aside once he'd mostly finished it. "I could make sure you don't sleep too long but it really isn't the worst thing in the world for you to do so."

"Thank you, Toren but I admit I am restless even though I am tired," she sighed in defeat. "Perhaps if I read for a bit though I will be able to quiet my mind enough to sleep. I just," Ladybird sighed heavily again and shook her head in disappointment.

"Toren I don't want to be judged lacking. I'm not weak and I don't want to be seen that way because of anything, not my sex, not my status in life, not my trade. I admit unease with how simple things appear here. Perhaps it is my right to ask for such things," she noted waving her hand at the room, "but there is always a price to pay and that which is 'mine' only lasts as long as I am held in high regard, without fault or weakness. I do not enjoy standing on the edge of the knife as it were and wondering when I shall slip and fall unable to recover.

"Too much talk from me anyway. I'm sorry about that, Toren. I'm just really glad I have a friend in you to share it with though. Friends are rather hard to come by these days. I can't say it enough and mean it more deeply than I do. I hope you don't find me presumptuous or petty for that."

"Well do as you wish, then," he insisted with a kind smile, chuckling a bit for her rambling despite the slight pain it caused him in his shoulder. "For what it's worth, though... I think you're quite capable. Not lacking at all."

The slave rose slowly from his chair to close the small space between them. Despite the books being right beside her he felt the need to offer his assistance either way. "Is there a particular one you want?" he asked distractedly, running his hand along their spines.

She tilted her head back, wincing severely as she stretched her wounds. Ladybird rubbed the spot carefully before offering Toren an encouraging smile. "You choose. I honestly don't even know where to begin. I think we'd be extremely if we found anything anyway. I highly doubt anyone has tried such things before. Or at least I certainly have not heard any tales of vampires and their pain-free bites. Granted, I haven't heard many stories of vampires to begin with," she laughed lightly.

Toren hummed, a soft chuckle of agreement quickly turning to another grimace. He really had to stop doing that.

"I'm sure we'll need to do a lot of experimentation. Maybe... Maybe something for a different kind of bite or sting would help," he mused. Indecisive, he finally chose one from the middle of the stack after carefully setting the others aside. It was as much to split the stack for easier access for her later as it was to just choose something.

He leaned against the side of the bed for temporary support but felt it would be better if he returned to his chair. "Try this one," he encouraged, holding it out carefully to her just barely above her lap as an expectant smile played as his lips.

"A wise suggestion," she agreed, her face openly reflecting the novelty of his idea as she herself had not thought of it first. Ladybird quickly accepted the book from him with a wide smile, her fingers almost lovingly smoothing over and caressing the cover of the bound text as it rested heavily in her lap. "Sit, sit, sit," she continued, urging him back into his chair with an encouraging wave of her hand. "We could only be so lucky to get it right on the first try, eh? I fear Toren you have a long road ahead of you listening to me. I hope you're comfortable," she teased while eyeing him with a truly maternal gaze. "Make sure you don't catch a chill now. Strenuous labor followed by cool stillness is never good for the body."

"We can only hope to be so lucky." Toren chuckled softly, a genuine smile lighting him up before his thoughts began to drift to his master once more.

"I don't mind it if you want the company, but I probably shouldn't stay long," he reminded her gently, glancing towards the door with his lip pulled tightly between his teeth. After shaking himself of his wandering thoughts he stepped back to take his seat, carefully pulling it as close as he dared to her bedside.

"I think if anything I could use a bit of rest," Toren admitted quietly, an embarrassed little half-smile playing at his lips as he watched her through his lashes, head bowed out of habit.

Ladybird nodded her head slightly in understanding while she waited for him to be seated and comfortable. Only then did she reach out to place a hand atop his and to speak to him in quiet tones. "Rest then. I promise to look out for you just as I know you already do for me. Trust me with this small matter and get the rest you need or as much as you can for now." She squeezed his hand with a sad little smile and then sat up straight again.

"I'm going to get quite spoiled spending so much time in this bed. I fear when this arrangement is all over I'll miss this bed. It's far bigger than my own at home. Then again that might be because of all the little four-legged visitors I have sharing it with me," she giggled.

It seemed so unusual to place such complete trust in another person, especially one he'd known for such a short amount of time. Petal seemed like such a genuine soul, though. He supposed if any ill came of trusting her it would be his own fault for allowing himself to get comfortable and not hers. Toren imagined any immediate harm coming his way from her would be the result of his master's doing anyhow, probably forcing her to make a decision that had no positive outcome. It was quite easy to choose yourself over another person, especially a slave. He wouldn't ever blame her for that.

"They recognize a kind soul," he admired thoughtfully, hiding a yawn behind a fist as he pulled his legs up to curl up in the chair. He added teasingly, "They just can't stand being away from you."

Looking to the door again he fell silent, just listening. Again it didn't seem dangerous, like his master might allow them privacy. That was a little bit scary to think on, though, for he was certain the vampire had been alerted to their location by then.

"Thank you, truly," he murmured gratefully, adjusting himself this way and that before deciding to simply rest his head upon his shoulder. In his years in that house the slave had mastered the art of napping wherever it was possible even if only briefly. He'd certainly slept in worse places than a cushy chair in one of the guest bedchambers so he really saw no reason to be anything other than genuinely thankful.

"Wake me if you need anything. Or whenever you would like to go back downstairs," he insisted, his eyes drooping sleepily as he stared at the books before adding, "Or if my master will come, so he doesn't think I'm lazy around you." And with that Toren was out just a few moments later, entirely accustomed to being an opportunist when it came to napping during daylight hours.

"Sleep, Toren," Ladybird whispered fondly. "My turn to look out for you," she added more to herself. She shifted about enough to adjust the book on her lap before finally opening it and smoothing her calloused fingers across the old pages. The book was old enough to even have that slight musty smell that spoke of its long years of existence.

In a heartbeat she was delving into pages upon pages of detailed plant analysis. With her bottom lip caught gently between her teeth she quietly read, completely enthralled. The time passed quickly for the woman lost in her own floral world. Occasionally her breath whooshed out in a repressed giggld, or hissed in quickly in surprise at a new revelation.

Toren slept quite peacefully, murmuring occasionally until he slipped into a deeper rest of silence. His body relaxed, slumping down slightly in the chair and his legs unfolding into a graceless heap against the side of her bed.

Having calmed from his earlier bloodlust Akakios ventured out from his study, almost starting down the stairs to check on Petal's progress and make sure she'd gotten the help she needed from Toren when he stopped abruptly, the faint sounds coming from her guest room catching his ear.

He turned slowly, stepping closer and silently listening through the wall as he neared the door before he stopped before it. Every sound seemed distinctly "Petal" so he suspected she was alone when he knocked very gently at her door. "Miss Hornwort, are you awake?" he called gently, keeping his voice low in case she was merely the sort to mutter in her sleep.

The knock on the door followed by Akakios's call for her, caused Ladybird to flinch before closing her book quickly. While one hand reached out to gently shake Toren awake she called out to the door. "One moment please, Lord Reolaras. Toren, would you mind being a dear and getting the door for me? I still don't think I'm feeling well enough to get up. I hate to admit it but you were right," she said fondly and loud enough for Akakios to hear. She was determined to keep her promise to Toren and hide the fact that he had been sleeping when the nobleman likely would have had him doing other things.

Akakios bristled at the name of his slave. So he was there with her. Alone. With the door shut. His thoughts immediately flew to the assumption that they might be trying to sneak some sort of relationship around him again and that assumption bothered him. More unsettling, it was certainly more than the fact that his slave might have some relationship with her. He was jealous of her giving that hypothetical attention to Toren instead of himself but couldn't even see that for what it was.

Toren startled awake at the sound of them speaking, his eyes immediately flying to the closed door. Tension flooded from his body knowing he was safe and unseen for now. "O-of course, Petal," he fumbled, hurrying to stand and cross the room to welcome his master in.

The cold glare he faced when Akakios was revealed made him visibly flinch. He kept his mouth shut, bowing his head politely to acknowledge his master and stepping away from the doorway to allow him in.

Akakios swept inside in a hurry, surveying the room briefly before he settled his eyes upon Petal. "Are you injured?" he guessed, looking between her and his slave expectantly. "If you need assistance or care and I can certainly assign you someone more...appropriate to your needs."

"Forgive me, Akakios," she spoke softly with a slight nod of her head. "I am weary. As you may recall I have attempted to try something to lessen the pain from...assisting you with your meals. I asked Toren to help observe me in case of a problem as I am aware he is also one of your assistants in this matter. I felt that he would recognize anything new or different should a problem arise and be able to seek help accordingly. If you feel someone else is better suited to this task then I apologize again for stealing away one of your servants. He has been most attentive and even assisted me as I began to feel faint from the sun earlier."

Ladybird pressed a hand to her brow, squeezing her eyes shut for a moment in genuine discomfort. "Will you not sit, Akakios or am I keeping you from business? I would not oppose the company despite my less than ideal state." She motioned to the empty seat beside her as she squirmed slightly to try and sit up straighter in the bed and not drop her book at the same time.

Akakios pondered her words silently, taking a seat in the chair when she prompted but immediately frowning. It was rather warm and that meant Toren had been with her for quite some time before he'd happened upon them.

He eyed the slave sternly, watching as he shuffled closer to stand beside the bed. It was clear to him that there was something beyond him being asked to assist Petal. He cared for her. While his mind was drawing his own conclusions he had yet to see any true evidence of the extent of that.

"I see." The vampire sighed softly, trying to smile for her but there was an edge to it. As usual, it didn't reach his eyes. "If that is truly your use for him I see no reason to keep you from your...experimentation. Has it...helped at all?" he wondered aloud, glancing towards the slave briefly as he inched his way to the foot of the bed from the door. It was clear Toren wasn't looking to sit down, but he also seemed uncomfortable standing in their presence at the same time.

Ladybird missed his cold smile as she focused on trying to mask her own discomfort and exhaustion. She did not realize as she became lost in reading just how miserable she was feeling after the feeding and keeping watch for Toren. Sighing softly, she shook her head in disappointment. "Sadly not yet. It probably would have been too easy if the first attempt worked just like that. But, I'm sure that your own reaction to it earlier makes it even better that it didn't work."

She lightly touched her neck, recalling the way the vampire had quite violently manhandled and accused her of attempting to poison him. "If it had I fear you would not be very accepting of my use of it," Ladybird continued delicately, not wishing to insult the nobleman despite what had happened between them.

Noticing Toren hovering near the edge of the bed and feeling guilty for setting him on edge, she glanced to Akakios before addressing the slave. "Toren, would you mind getting more water for me please? My throat feels very dry all of a sudden," she admitted with a weak smile. Again Ladybird glanced to Akakios, as if afraid that he would be angry with her for ordering Toren about or for making even such a simple request.

Akakios frowned as she further explained herself, not understanding why she thought it would have been better for her to not see any relief from the bites. He understood that they seemed painful to humans, but what was he to do about it? He had to eat and he normally only fed from willing participants. They knew what they were getting themselves into, at least he saw it that way, and Petal was no exception. He glanced between them at her question, nodding briefly to Toren to acknowledge that he was free to fulfill her request.

Toren glanced to his master nervously, but smiled for Petal and nodded eagerly with a muttered, "Of course," before slipping out to fetch a fresh pitcher for her.

Only once the slave was gone and quite a distance down the hall did Akakios speak again. "I would be accepting of your use of anything so long as you inform me about it and it doesn't harm me. I do not wish to make this a painful experience for you if there is anything you can do to help with your...recovery," he explained, uncertain how to assure her that he was merely looking out for his health and did not wish to discourage her. He preferred a calm home life and he did not want her occasional presence to upset the balance of that if she was to be very ill while she was there and working or if she made him ill with her experiments. It would concern his servants too much and disrupt the flow of the household if they grew too distracted by any declining health.

"I apologize for being a bit...overzealous. I was not in my right mind before... In my study," he offered, hoping she might be accepting of his apology.

"I intend to continue with my attempts to find something that will help me without harming you. I by no means wish to cause you harm, Akakios. That being said, is there a list of things that are harmful to you that I should avoid? Would you prefer I tell you of every detail of every item that I use or is telling you now of my intentions enough of a fair warning for you? I wish to be completely transparent with you on this. I seek only to help lessen the pain in order to continue with our contract. If I am successful then I do not mind passing on the recipe to you so your future donors would not have to suffer needlessly either."

Taking a breath to calm and steady herself after all her talking, Ladybird was forced to pause for a few moments before continuing. "Thank you for your apology," she began more quietly. "I too apologize for causing you such upset even unintentionally. I hope though that your earlier upset will not be something I have to deal with in the future, now?"

The vampire just stared at her as she spoke, quickly realizing how much he hadn't accounted for in his request. He'd never given much thought to what was harmful to him and the more he thought on it the more his earlier outburst at her seemed ridiculous. He couldn't think of a single thing a human had ever ingested that had ended up harming him.

"I should hope not," he muttered quietly, wincing at her gentle reminder of his behavior. It was certainly not something he should have done as her host, regardless of their agreement. Really, especially because of their agreement.

"Truthfully...I can't think of a single thing, Petal," he admitted with a thoughtful frown. "I'm...still going to want to know. Perhaps just keep a journal of your attempts? Nothing too formal. And if you find a solution I would appreciate hearing it from you personally so I can remember it as well."

Toren returned then, stepping into the room quietly and bringing the pitcher he'd brought to her bedside with his head bowed. Silently he refilled her glass and held it out to offer to her so she might not have to pick it up from a greater distance by herself.

She blinked tiredly at his response, just barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "That had been my intention all along," Ladybird informed him with a weary sigh. "I will gladly share with you whatever I end up finding good or bad. I suspect it may take some time before I am able to come up with a viable solution. If you have any suggestions also I would be more than happy to try those as well. Obviously whatever solution I come up with provided I do of course would be left with you for my replacement and whatnot."

The young woman took a deep breath as she smiled to Akakios weakly. The pain she was in at that moment was the worst it had ever been and all her talking instead of resting was not making it any easier on her. It was a welcome relief when Toren returned then her asked for water. She murmured a gentle thank you while reaching to accept it from him with slightly shaky hands. Greedily, she drank what she could before gasping for air once the whole cup had been drained. Sheepishly, she glanced from Akakios to Toren and back again.

"May I have some more, please? I'm just so thirsty. And thank you. Both of you. I'm sorry that I am rather useless in my current state. I wish I was able to do more."

Akakios trained his expression into a gentle, carefree smile at her offer of leaving behind what solution she might come up with for her remedy. She was kind and thoughtful, but he had no intention of letting her go as easily as she seemed to believe he would once their agreement was satisfied.

He watched as she gulped down the water Toren had brought for her, eyes growing a little wide as he realized she was downing the whole thing in one go. Should he have realized she was so desperately thirsty? She'd only mentioned her throat feeling dry before. A small sliver of guilt settled into him at the realization that it was probably his fault she was feeling so poorly and looking so pitiful.

The vampire tilted his head to observe Toren's eager nod of agreement at her request, studying the worried expression on his face as he only glanced at his master before taking her cup and emptying the rest of the small pitcher into it for her. "I'll get another for you," Toren murmured as he stood, hurrying off with the empty pitcher to fetch more before Akakios had a chance to get a word in.

Instead, he only smiled and sighed with a shake of his head. "Please don't apologize. Just rest, you'll feel better soon enough." Another apology caught on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed it back. What more could he say to her when he fully intended on feeding again in the future? It would end up causing her pain, but he wanted it anyway. Needed it. "Is there anything I can do for you? Or shall I leave you to your books and rest?"