Spirits of the Earth

A dark scowl fixed upon his face, head bowed as he endured a hurried grooming. The people who called this place home had become so skittish over the years, their hands flitting about his body nervously as if they were afraid he might lash out at them. Bound as he was, there really wasn't anything to fear from him aside from a bite. He didn't really have the mean streak they expected of him, though. Angry outbursts were entirely driven by frustration with his circumstances, the people were generally kind to him and he knew it was not them that had taken him from his home and life.

The one he had to blame was their master, a cold vampire that he had seen less and less of every year. Ko'sah assumed his novelty was wearing out, but he wasn't sure if that would be a good or bad thing for him in the end when he lost his value to him. Still, it was strange to him and frustrating to watch humans act out of fear, to aid his captivity by sheer volume of compliance with their master. It was heartbreaking to see such little free will among them, so little outspoken opinions. It infuriated him to hear the silence among them as they performed their duties, to see no regret or guilt in their eyes. He was not a person to these people, he was an object.

Habit could only tell him that they were expecting their master again soon. It was the only time they bothered to primp him with such care. As the trio of men finished with him he heaved a heavy sigh as they checked his bonds with gloved hands. He watched with interest, tugging sharply against the metal once just to rattle them before settling back down into obedience. The shadow of power always scared them, he could see it in the way their faces drained of color, their eyes blown wide and white and that day was no exception.

"When?" he demanded in a huff, stamping his front hooves briefly against the floor of his stall. The men scurried to be out of his way, none of them wanting to risk being trapped under a centaur's hooves.

With the door to his enclosure shut and locked once more the centaur sighed and shook his head in disappointment. He leaned against his bonds, stretching to peer out into the stable aisle. There were empty stalls and silence immediately around him but it served to carry the conversation at the end of the barn down to his spot in the middle.

The horses were being brought in early, presumably for the night as he heard their soft snorts and nervous whinnies at the change to their routine. Even through the sounds around him, though, he could hear the men from before quietly discussing "their" arrival.

He could only assume his master was a part of that group but he had no way of knowing who else had been brought along. He would be viewed, no doubt, like a living statue expected to stand and be scrutinized. Ko'sah was used to it, but the notion still irritated him every time it happened. It was slowly draining his sanity to remain a captive as he was, an item to be owned and not a creature to share the world with. He didn't understand his master's need to possess him and control him, but his attempts at escape had all been thwarted in the past.

The sounds in the barn settled into a more comfortable silence as the humans left, the only noises around him the soft pat of hooves on dirt and straw and quiet munching on hay. He could see a small opening to the outside from his stall through the barn doors. He could tell the day was ending, the sky taking on an orange color with the setting sun. Perhaps he would be seen the next day, but he could already feel the tension of anticipation settling in.

It had been a long journey to get to Akakios's intended summer home. With the beginning struggles of her pregnancy, Ladybird had been ordered to rest and have a place with lots of fresh air. It was for this reason that they had been traveling for several days now. It might not have taken them so long either except her husband was doing everything in his power to ensure that the traveling was not overly taxing on her and they got to break and rest often enough.

When they finally arrived it was well into the evening. Tiredly, she took in the sights she could see and smiled warmly. Ladybird was home. What was his now too was hers and she could not wait to race around like a child and explore. Her own child kicked petulantly against her stomach. She patted against the unborn babe soothingly, murmuring softly before allowing herself to be led inside and to bed with assurances that all was well.

Ladybird slept relatively soundly through the night, completely at peace in the arms of the man she loved. In the morning after breakfast she finally ventured out to explore. Anyone who knew her knew that Ladybird's first stop would be the stables. She just had to pet all the horses and share treats and kisses with them.

She waddled her way in, greeting and brushing aside the servants as they greeted her as the lady of the house and fell over themselves to please her. When she finally was able to dismiss them, Ladybird went about rubbing velvety noses, not even realizing that with each stall she was coming closer and closer to one of her husband's prized possessions.

"Oh!" she cried, startled to find herself looking at another human face. "My you're tall! I'm sorry I didn't see you there or I would have said hello sooner. How are you this morning?" Ladybird greeted him as cheerily as she had everyone else she had encountered in the stable but as of that moment still did not realize who she was talking to was not exactly human himself.

The centaur's thoughts had kept him awake late into the morning, straining to listen for any sign that someone was coming for him, but it never happened. He'd drifted off to sleep and missed that new horses from the north were stabled in the empty stalls but woke at sunrise to the usual bustle of morning, mild confusion and irritation on his face at the faint, unfamiliar scent coupled with the activity of the morning. Only there seemed to be more humans than normal and they were moving with a particularly nervous energy. He could only assume that his owner was near if they were in such a hurry.

He stretched as much as his bonds would let him, the rattling of chains spooking the humans into giving his door a wide berth and a few wary looks. It was clear from their eyes that they were nervous and hoping he would behave, but even with acknowledging his presence it became clear quite quickly that he would not be fed breakfast with the horses like usual. He soured at the thought thinking he was being left hungry on purpose to weaken his will but in reality his special meal was simply forgotten in their rush to have everything ready should Akakios decide to take any horses out for the day.

It wasn't long until a cluster of excited voices and activity drew his attention at the main entrance. He strained against his bonds to peer out briefly but drew back with a huff when he could not see his owner's tall head above the rest of the people gathered around. A small amount of tension drained from his muscles but he was still anxious to know who was being greeted with such enthusiasm if not his owner. Any visitor had always meant the vampire was not far away.

He could hear the light shuffle of footsteps gradually making its way down the barn but when a short woman finally appeared in front of his stall it still startled him. His light eyes widened briefly before he narrowed them in an anxious glare. She was a stranger, certainly not any servant or slave he'd seen before. Or smelled. Her scent was different from the working people who ensured his captivity and different still from the scent of "clean" and soaps that always permeated the air when his vampire owner was near. She smelled of flowers and fresh grass. It was much more pleasant but he was wary of her as a stranger, what was she doing there with him?

Ko'sah stepped forward quickly, the light clinking of chains following his movement and the soft sound of hooves against his stall floor as he stood tall before her. His head cocked slightly in curious interest as his eyes swept over her. Nervously they kept drifting up to her face again and again before he hardened his features into a wary scowl. No, she was not a servant. She smelled too nice dressed too finely. There was something else different he couldn't quite pinpoint in the moment, tightening his lips in a line and refusing to answer her question. Instead he just glowered at her, hopeful she might leave him alone and not draw any more attention to him once she could see what he was and be fearful of him like most of the other humans were.

It took her a moment, the clink of metal, the thump of hooves, his impassive height, then all at once the puzzle pieces fell into place and Ladybird realized what she was seeing. "You're a centaur," she breathed in awe, staring up at him wide-eyed and slack-jawed. His glowering expression did nothing to deter her her wonderment at seeing such a magnificent beast.

What did sober her though was the understanding of what the metal she had heard was. Chains, and she knew exactly what they were for. Her mouth closed and her eyes drooped with sadness. "I'm sorry," she murmured softly, feeling a heavy dose of guilt within her breast, knowing it as her husband that was the cause for such a beautiful creature's imprisonment. "I would make him stop if I could," she added, unconsciously pressing a hand to her swollen belly as she thought of the vampire she had married.

"Do you have a name?" Ladybird looked up at him with genuine interest as she stepped closer to his stall. He was not a freakshow to her or a prized pet. The centaur was just another person and she would treat him as nothing less than that. "Do you understand Common?"

He didn't understand the amazement in her voice, though he was mildly impressed that she understood what he was. Perhaps someone else had told her about him already, though, and she was merely feigning her knowledge of his kind.

The sadness in her eyes at her apology confused him. He'd never seen anything but apprehension and fear in the people who kept him prisoner. Except for his master and his guests, who seemed fascinated more than anything. What did she have to be sad about, though? Did she pity him? She spoke as though she knew of his master and that made him nervous. Why was he not there with her if they knew each other? Was she a new slave?

Ko'sah stepped as close as his bonds allowed, peering down at her curiously for the odd way she'd caressed her middle. There was a pronounced curve there and for a moment he wondered how she could possibly be so bloated until he realized that she was merely with child. He huffed in surprise, his eyes softening momentarily before he turned his head away to try to ignore her.

He didn't want to give his name, any of the people that tended the stables could have told her about him. Or his master, since she seemed to know of him. The centaur couldn't quite keep himself from ignoring her entirely, though, tilting his chin to look down at her at her last question and giving a short nod of affirmation. Communicating that he understood her might at least keep her from talking badly about him right in front of his face, but he was wary of this new stranger.

Ladybird craned her neck up as he moved closer and stared down at her. He was truly beautiful to look at and as much as she hated it, she could understand why her husband had acquired him. The centaur was certainly a prized specimen, a fact that broke her heart again and again as she came across all the things her husband owned. The slaves she had learned to live with. But, creatures like the centaur before her made it harder for her to so easily brush aside what he did for a living.

If she had not been watching him so intently, she would have missed the slight softening of his gaze before he looked away from her. There was intelligence and compassion in this creature and anyone who said otherwise was a fool. It broke her heart all the more to see him so noble and graceful forced into slavery.

It was a relief to see him nod his head at her though. Had the circumstances been different, she might have even giggled to see such a human-like gesture but instead she simply continued to smile. "Can you...speak?" she pressed gently, afraid at the possibility that he had been harmed into silence. Without thought for her safety, Ladybird moved until she was at last standing with her hands pressed against the wood of his stall and stares straight up at him.

"Have you been harmed? My name is Ladybird but everyone calls me Petal. I'm sorry if I'm bothering you I just..." Ladybird paused and licked her lips trying to figure just what she was doing. "I suppose I was just hoping for someone to talk with. I've never met one of your kind before and I consider it an honor to have met you. I usually come to the stables to visit the horses," she informed him, rambling a bit in her nervousness though everything she said was genuine and from heart. "I usually bring them apples and sugar cubes though don't tell Akakios." Ladybird giggled and shook her head. "He hates it when I spoil them all rotten but they're all such good babies."

Ko'sah furrowed his brow into a defensive glare as she approached him, a bit taken aback by her lack of fear or hesitation. Shouldn't she have been afraid? Even knowing what he was and what he was capable of... He assumed that made him all the more scary to the people there, it was the ones who had experienced his attempts at freedom years ago that gave him the widest berth on a daily basis.

The way Ladybird -or Petal, he wasn't sure what he should think of her as- spoke confused him and he was uncertain of her sincerity. She was just too nice. Too nice and too bubbly. Happy. It wasn't something he was accustomed to seeing very often aside from small festival celebrations the servants of the house brought near enough for him to see. She spoke strangely of his neighbors, too, as though they were...children. He didn't understand how a human so small could see them as "babies" when they were much larger than her. He never heard such words from the servants, not even the women.

The centaur grit his teeth and turned his head away sharply, huffing and turning his body to the side after so he wouldn't have to look directly at her. It was as far as his chains would permit him and he was convinced there was no use talking to her even if she showed interest in the moment. She would be fearful soon enough like the others or she would look at him like the vampire looked at him, he was certain of it. Talking and forming any sort of bond with the new human would only make it hurt more once she changed her tune about him.

So he remained silent, casting wary sideways glances her way and keeping his features fixed in the hopes she would lose interest and go somewhere else if he didn't answer her questions.

She knew dismissal when she saw it. Ladybird saw the rejection of her words clear as day. His body language said it all. He was ending this conversation before it had even had a chance to begin and he was very much done with her. It all made her said, though she understood. The noblewoman sighed softly as her head dropped regretfully.

"I'm sorry," she found herself repeating, letting her hand slide down the smooth wood of the stall door. "I'll let you be then. I hope that you can forgive me for intruding." Ladybird looked slightly pained as if she wanted to say more but instead she shook her head and bowed slightly towards him before taking a few steps back and waddling her way back out of the stables. She was deterred but not defeated. Already the noblewoman was swearing to herself that she would return in the morning and this time with some food to share with the horses and centaur both.

For now her antics would be a secret best kept from her husband. She could only imagine what Akakios would say if he knew what she was doing. Ladybird did not think for a second that he would be pleased, especially with a baby on the way and how worried he had been about her health. No, this would be her little private matter for as long as she could keep it as such. There was no need to stress the father-to-be out over such a little thing.

He watched her leave out of the corner of his eye, only turning to face the door and peer out to watch her waddle along once she was far enough away he was certain she wouldn't turn back. A heavy sigh escaped him, shaking his head in disbelief he'd just had such a strange visitor.

She was certainly pregnant, but that only left him more confused. She must have been ignorant somehow to the danger she was potentially in being so close to him. Only Ko'sah knew he would do his best not to harm her if she came around again. Children were a precious gift and a pregnant female was to be cherished and protected by all, at least that had been the way of his home herd. It felt like an affront to the only upbringing he knew to have been rude to her at all. But she was safer being far away from him anyway, it was for the best he'd driven her away.

His thoughts lingered on the strange woman, Ladybird, for the rest of the day. He felt fairly safe when she did not come around during his evening meal but only relaxed once he no longer heard the footsteps of people about the stables and he was left with the soft sounds of horses in the surrounding stalls.

In the quiet and the dark he drifted to sleep with a nagging tug in his belly, his body unsated for only having half its normal food that day. It seemed odd that the vampire hadn't come to see him at all, it was clear by Petal's use of his name that he was nearby. But Ko'sah felt weak, though he supposed that had been the point of it instead of negligence, and couldn't bring himself to put forth much energy into dwelling on it.

The pull of sleep had taken him quite easily, but he rose with the first rays of sunlight in quite a mood with a stomach that growled so angrily in hunger as he paced what short distanced his chains would allow through the stall.

The next morning dawned bright and early just as it always had before. Ladybird was up with it. Her grief over rejection had passed easily and she had spent much of the previous day thinking about the lone, quiet centaur. Now with a new day and a new dawn she was feeling more self-assured about what she intended to do.

Quietly she trod her way down the stairs, groaning only slightly to herself at the effort necessary to do such a simple task now that she was so round with child. From there she entered the kitchen and was able to have the help fill a sack full with apples for her. While they did that she also swiped a couple handfuls of sugar cubes that were dropped into both pockets of her dusty pink dress.

All of her goodies were then carefully brought to the stables. It was early enough that most of the stable hands were still asleep or dealing with other things, leaving Ladybird blessedly and peacefully on her own. Curious sleepy noses poked out from each of the stalls as she passed, making her giggle as some of them nosed at her pockets and were treated to some of the sugar cubes. Each velvet nose was kissed and petted with soft words from the lady of the manor.

Eventually she once more wound her way down to where the creature of her true intentions was housed. "Good morning," she murmured to him softly with a gentle but small bow of respect. Her belly kept her from doing more than that. "I wanted to apologize again for intruding yesterday. Um," she hesitated shyly as she raised the bag towards him and into view. "I brought some apples today for the horses and myself. I was wondering if you'd like one as well." Ladybird smiled hesitantly, already expecting his rejection even as she looked on at him with hopeful.

He could hear the sounds of the stable hands preparing breakfast for the horses and himself, his ears keenly focused on what he wanted from them as he continued to pace. A different sound gave him pause, though, the happy giggle drawing him forward towards the front of his stall. Ko'sah frowned thoughtfully as he heard the eager nickers of the horses further down the barn. They were happy about something and he understood what when the small woman finally appeared before him.

His eyes focused entirely on the sack of apples that she'd lifted up, not acknowledging her greeting or her gesture of respect as he took the extra half step forward his bonds allowed him. Greedy hands rose up to the top of the stall wall, fingers straining to stretch towards her in a silent plea for a share of what she'd brought.

His gesture made her smile warmly, her nervous gaze melting into pleased joy. Ladybird hurried to lower the sack and pluck out a pair of shiny green apples. With one in each hand, the noblewoman approached his stall quickly before holding them up and out to him as high as she could reach. It was a time like that this Ladybird cursed her smaller stature that prevented her from reaching over the extra high wall meant to keep the centaur contained inside.

"I hope these are alright," she commented quietly. "I wasn't sure what you liked."

That she hadn't come by just to tease him with treats was a welcome surprise, his eyebrows raised slightly at her offer. Ko'sah licked his lips as he stared at the fruit in her hands, his eyes going wide with an unspoken question. It seemed a little odd that she was so short compared to most of the humans he interacted with but he was glad she seemed to be wanting to give them to him freely.

He grunted in the affirmative, straining against his bonds to snatch the apples from her. One was quickly devoured in three large bites, the other was scarfed down quickly but was savored for the treat that it was. Juice was licked from his hands, no part going to waste.

When he was finished, though, he only stared at her again. Looking between the sack of apples and her face repeatedly he stretched his hands out again to silently demand more from her bag.

She stared up at him in surprise, her brown eyes blinking slowly in disbelief. Ladybird had not been expecting such a greedy snatching of the apples, though as she saw the way he devoured the first one she could not help but wonder if they were feeding him properly. The way he acted reminded her of an abused dog that hoarded food because it did not know when its next meal would be. The thought saddened her greatly, though part of her desperately hoped that was not the case. It was one thing for her husband to own slaves and enslave such beautiful creatures, both things she absolutely hated, but it was a completely different matter to abuse this property that he had acquired. Ladybird did not think he would do such a thing but she had no way of knowing without asking someone.

The pregnant woman was drawn from her thoughts at the incessant looks between the bag she was clutching and her face as well as the hand reaching out towards her again. Ladybird hesitated but a moment. She had intended to share the apples with more of the horses but if the centaur was truly that hungry then she would not deny him. She could always get more apples.

"Just a moment," she breathed gently, offering him a soft smile. One hand dipped into the bag removing another pair of apples before she moved forward and offered him the rest of the contents of the bag. A step out of his reach she added, "there's no need to be rude and snatch it this time. I'm not going to deny you food. I'm not here to hurt you or upset you and I'm sorry if others have not treated you with the care and respect you deserve."

Moving forward, she was a little nervous that he would try to yank it away from her again. She stood firmly though and smiled, one hand held out with the sack to him and the other clutching the two lone apples to her chest so that they wouldn't fall to the stable floor.

His eyes lit up when she dipped her hand back into the bag and pulled out two more apples. The centaur expected her to hand them over but when she held them back and instead offered up the bag for him to take freely from he was momentarily stunned by her generosity. For a brief moment he wondered if there could be some ulterior motive, but they had just been apples. Very delicious ones to a hungry Ko'sah.

He grunted affirmatively at her words, feeling a small bit of shame for the way she apologized. It felt like he might have frightened her in his eagerness and he truly didn't want that to happen if this new human was going to continue to show such kindness to him.

The metal around his wrists dug into the wood of the wall as he reached over for the bag. He gently plucked two more apples but held one in his teeth to take a third in his hand. He retreated with them, eating slowly to savor her gift and eyeing her curiously as he did. When he'd finished with them he still eyed her bag hopefully but decided it probably wasn't the best idea to push his luck anymore with her.

"Thank you," he murmured, nervous to be speaking with her and uncertain what she might have heard about him or who she even was. He wanted to say more, explain that he'd just missed a meal and how he rarely got apples from the stable hands even when he asked for them, how he'd once been able to eat freely from the trees the humans kept and they were just his favorite. Perhaps one day he'd earn enough trust back with the people who called this place home to tie him to one of their trees for a day and at least let him eat his fill. Silence prevailed, though.

He stared at her, convinced that no amount of explaining would make her understand from his past experiences. Hair fell over his shoulders as he gave her a small bow of his head in thanks instead before turning to the side, thinking she would just move on down the barn to speak to the rest of the horses as she had the others.

It was a surprise to her when he reached in and collected apples instead of taking the entire sack as she had assumed he would. She held it limply in her hand for a moment still offered out to him before she gently set it down beside her and smiled warmly up at him. Ladybird took one of her own apples and ate it slowly as she enjoyed the slight silence of both of them munching away, him much faster than her of course.

A soft gasp escaped her as he spoke for the first time in her presence. Her eyes flashed up to his face as her own broke out in a brilliant smile. It pleased her greatly not only to be thanked but to hear his voice as well. Ladybird bowed back in return, a little unsteady with her unwieldy belly in the way but no less respectful or exuberant.

"You can have the rest if you'd like," she responded, stepping forward until she was right up against his stall and holding the bag high above her head towards him. "Have they not been feeding you?" she asked softly, her eyes intent on looking up at him despite the strain it put in her neck and back. "You can be honest with me. I mean it that I wish you no harm. You should be taken care of and I will not stand for abuse."

She looked at him with pained sadness in her eyes. "You act is if they're starving you."

Ko'sah eyed her sidelong, wary of what she was saying and what it implied. How could she say she wished him no harm? She'd only just met him and didn't know him at all, yet she claimed she wanted him to be taken care of. Unless the house had been bought out by another he couldn't see how she would ever ensure that. She probably hadn't even heard anything about what he'd done during his time there, yet she spoke as if she planned on being his champion. That was far too much for him to ever hope for. Hope was dangerous anyway.

He turned his head towards her, eyeing her suspiciously before staring at the bag of apples again. Stepping forward he reached out to pluck one more apple from it, munching quietly and much more slowly than before. He didn't want her thinking he was truly starving. Aside from the chains and small enclosure he didn't feel he was abused, just caged and unhappy.

The centaur nodded subtly in thanks, not seeing any reason in speaking with her further when any answers to her questions might be taken the wrong way. How was a chained creature supposed to tell a woman who seemed to genuinely care about his wellbeing that his dinner had been forgotten so he was a little more hungry than usual and had been a bit overzealous because of it? Ladybird seemed emotional and he didn't want any harm coming to her if she got it in her mind to speak up for him to the vampire. Ko'sah was certain there was nothing to be done and she would only bring trouble upon them if she got it in her head to try.

Her lips pursed tightly together as a look Akakios knew quite well by now, set in on her face. Ladybird looked the part of a determined and stubborn woman. Her shoulders squared as she stood up straight and came to a decision of her own. It was fine and well if the centaur did not wish to or felt he could not speak to her. But, she would do all in her power to make sure he was be treating as he should be. His silence only spoke volumes to her of the things she felt he feared to say.

The sack was gently put down as her other hand moved to support her low back. Towards the entrance of the stable she could already see some of the works going about feeding the horses breakfast and she waited calmly for one of them to notice them standing there. It was one of the younger boys, Sholw who was the unlucky one to look up and be beckoned closer to her.

He approached her nervously, his eyes darting from side to side as if expecting someone to jump out at him or someone else to save him. "L-l-lady Reolaras," he stuttered, bowing lowly to her as his hands twisted around the fabric of his tunic. "How may I serve you?"

With warm eyes but a serious expression she asked him his name which he readily gave. "Tell me Sholw, is it common practice here to neglect to care for for the creature's under your Master's care?" The boy sputtered in protest but Ladybird refused to back down. "How is it then that a sentient creature is treated worse than one of your Master's prized horses? He hasn't eaten and is practically ravenous," she stated passionately, her eyes betraying her concern as her face pinched in frustration.

Sholw never had a chance to do more than fumble for words as one of the older hands finally spoke up. "All due respect Lady Reolaras, the centaur has been well cared for. Perhaps you simply just came too early this morning as he has yet to receive his breakfast." The man was quickly silenced as Ladybird placed her free hand over her stomach and raised a challenging brow.

"I know what I have seen. There is a difference between breaking one's fast and having gone without. I will not stand for this! See that his meals are doubled until he proves to be sufficiently fed and then we can rediscuss this matter." She winced suddenly, bending slightly as she clutched her stomach painfully.

"My lady please, you mustn't push yourself! We were told you were here to rest before the baby comes. You shouldn't be so excitable," the old man spoke nervously, moving to support her shoulder as Sholw did the same on the other side.

"Then do not give me reason to become upset," she replied testily while fighting to take deep breaths. The pain subsided quickly even as the people around her fluttered about bring her water and a seat to rest in. "Thank you," she spoke again, feeling more calm and collected. "I'm fine now but please see that what I have asked for is done. I have no desire to bring this up with my husband and I pray you do not force my hand on the matter."

"Of course my lady, right away," the men replied. While some returned to their tasks four of them rushed to get the centaur's food together and offer it to him warily, still skittish of the things he might do to them if they got too close.

He watched the small woman curiously as she seemed to pout and waddle away, heading over to the stable hands he could barely see from his place in the barn. He pressed against the wall of his stall, straining to hear their conversation.

What he caught by the tone and the few words he heard startled him. The stable hands were referring to her by his master's name, but that couldn't be right, could it? Ko'sah narrowed his eyes in thought, worried that this whole situation was a charade to deprive him so that she could be the one to "save" him by ordering that he be properly fed. She even referred to her husband, and he could only assume who that was knowing the vampire was at home. It was so that he would trust her, wasn't it?

The centaur grew paranoid, a frown fixed upon his face as he watched her struggles. He could only guess she was close to having her baby if it pained her so to be stressed while being so round. He was only uncertain if her concern was genuine or some play at garnering his trust on the vampire's behalf.

When he was presented with food, Ko'sah hesitated to accept it. He eyed the men warily, snorting his displeasure at being forgotten the previous night. He might have delighted in the way his obvious unhappiness spooked the younger ones normally, but he was hungry and wanted nothing more than to enjoy the food they'd brought to him. He accepted their offerings with a growl, turning to one side for a modicum of privacy as he tucked in. Even with her treat of apples he was able to pack away his double portion, relaxing a little once his belly was finally full.

"Water," he demanded gently, nodding to the two males who'd lingered near his stall. They hurried off, bringing him two buckets that they left with him before returning to check on their master's wife.

"My lady, will you be alright?" Sholw asked nervously, hovering at her side and hoping he could be useful enough to her that she might not seek his punishment through her husband. "Is there anything that you need? Would you like an escort to your house?"

Ladybird watched like a hawk as the men cared for the centaur. When he spoke, her chin instantly raised, ready to repeat his demand should they not obey. She relaxed once they had and allowed her attention to drift back to the young stable hand who she had quite thoroughly chewed out only moments earlier.

"I am well," she informed him, with more warmth in her voice than she had used previously. "My baby is just a bit feisty. It was my own fault for allowing things to upset me so much. I would appreciate it therefore if you all did not give me reason to feel such again." Her eyes gave him a pointed glance before closing as she breathed heavily, feeling a false contraction ripple through her again. The doctor had warned her of these after several false alarms concerning the baby's attempts at an early entrance into the world.

"If you could have some more water and a blanket brought I would appreciate it. I plan to stay a while longer today and rest. I find the stables soothing. I spent much of my time at home in places like this when I was younger," she admitted fondly. The boy bobbed his head repeatedly before dashing off to follow her instructions, leaving her alone again with the centaur.

The woman rubbed her stomach distractedly as she watched him with his food and water tiredly. "I'm sorry that you were mistreated. I would like to think your master would not allow that. I know I certainly would not." She groaned and shook her head out of frustration. "It would not be like this at all if I had my way. You would be free." Ladybird sighed again and rested her head back against the wood wall behind her. "Did they give you enough food for this meal? I'm afraid I don't know how much you should or even could normally eat. I don't wish to insult you or cause more harm because I am ignorant."

Ko'sah watched her warily, lifting one of the buckets so that he could sip from it as he listened to her speak. He wished he was free to drink from a water sack instead, it made him feel like the humans thought of him as purely animal to be made to drink from buckets like their horses. He was pleased that his request had been granted, however, and surely was not planning on complaining.

He wasn't quite sure how he should have answered her question, though. While not exactly his choice foods he had certainly gotten enough of the bland meats and breads the human men had offered him. Preference was a different matter entirely, and he was certain it was all just leftovers from the servant meals anyway.

He huffed an anxious breath, nodding slightly in answer but refusing to speak. It seemed odd to hear her speak of her assumed husband as though they weren't close, as if she had no say in the matter. She even spoke of his freedom, a subject that seemed a joke considered how strictly confined he'd been in recent years.

It was a depressing thought that the vampire's wife might be just as trapped in her life as he was, as the slaves of the house were. As much as he disliked his situation he also pitied her, pregnant and being cared for by the people of the estate instead of the man she was married to. It was unnatural to him, family took care of family and loved ones took care of each other first and foremost. From the reactions he'd seen and heard it was well-known that Ladybird needed some assistance, or was expected at least not to do everything for herself. He truly felt sorry for her and he was oblivious as to why she might concern herself with him or anyone else at all if she was struggling.

When the boy returned with a large mug of water and a blanket that looked quite soft Ko'sah set down his half-drunk bucket and adjusted himself to lie down on the shallow bed of straw in his stall so that he might not have to look at the woman. He didn't want to encourage her to stay. She should have been resting properly indoors, not concerning herself with him or any of the horses.

She really had not wanted to use Akakios's name to get things done, but she knew how much power it held. Ladybird could only hope though that it would not make its way back to him. She knew without asking that this whole situation was not something he would be pleased knowing she had meddled in. If he had his way he likely would have her tucked comfortably in bed and never leaving it until the baby was born. She would not stand for it though. As long as she behaved herself and he remained relatively ignorant about her current antics then all should be well.

Ladybird shook her head slightly to clear her thoughts as she noticed the centaur lower himself from view. Her lips twitched at the sight, amused at such a horse-like movement. It should not have surprised her really, she was sitting after all why couldn't he? She continued to rest in her spot, watching his stall despite being unable to see him. His silence in the face of her words was telling enough. He was dismissing her for better or for worse.

With a sigh, she dragged herself back to her feet with a fair bit of difficulty. The blanket was draped about her shoulders and pulled tight like a cloak as she approached the centaur's shelter. For a moment she hesitated standing there before placing a hand on the wood of his door and patting it softly.

"I'll be back tomorrow. I should rest for today but I'm glad to have spent time with you this morning. Thank you," Ladybird spoke genuinely, nodding her head though neither of them could see each other. "I can bring more apples if you'd like, or something else. Hopefully things will be better for you though. I'm sorry I can't do more," she added in a strained whisper, feeling a deep sadness take hold of her. "Tomorrow then!"

The noblewoman then shuffled out at last, making her way back to the main house where she did just as she said she would. Ladybird went about her day, resting and enjoying the serenity of the Reolaras summer home. Her mind though was still on the centaur cooped up in the stables, abused and mistreated in her eyes.

Right then and there she decided her mission for her stay there would be to do all she could to make him comfortable since she could not free him herself. She would continue to come visit him in the mornings as she had been doing but would bring her knitting with her and simply talk with him until he felt like joining in on the conversation. She would not push him to do anything he did not want to but, she was determined not to abandon him.

The kind words Ladybird spoke to him were terribly confusing. She seemed so compassionate and he genuinely wanted to believe she was being sincere, but her station left his guard up anyway. What could she possibly be thanking him for? He wasn't good company and he was little more than a caged pet, a captive trophy. There was no reason for a woman like her to speak to him as though he was one of her own.

Much to his confusion her visits and his doubled meals continued to happen. He was full beyond anything he'd ever experienced before at the estate, even uncomfortably so, and it left him feeling quite sluggish as he stood in his stall just listening to her speak every day. At least her voice was soothing, but bales of hay had been placed against the wall of his stall as well as the neighboring one to allow her a place to sit wherever she liked and however close. Between her visits and what care the stable hands provided him with he was left with no privacy and little downtime aside from the darkness of night. But still Ko'sah watched her curiously, uncertain what she was making through her knitting during her visits but assuming it would be something for her baby by the time it was finished.

At last a little over a week into her visits he began to relax, becoming accustomed to her presence. Perhaps she meant him no harm if she spent so much of her free time just sitting and speaking to him. He'd never once heard her raise her voice at the stable hands or show them any sharpness again and instead seemed to show such kindness to all in a way he didn't understand. How had the vampire entrapped such a wholesome soul for himself?

In the lull of a silence he finally seized the opportunity to speak to her again, stepping forward towards the stall door to peer down at her with pleading eyes. "Petal," he tried softly, uncertain if she would have a preference in the name that he called her. "Your intentions seem good, but I do not need so much food anymore."

The days passed steadily and without consequence as Ladybird enjoyed the quiet company of the centaur in the stables. The things she spoke of in her soft humming voice were light and happy topics. When she wasn't talking some times she was singing or humming to herself as her fingers worked diligently on the yarn carded within her hands. It was soft, thick, and had been dyed a lovely shade of green that Ladybird heartily approved of. Akakios had been more than generous at her request for yarns and had made sure that she was provided with a variety of colors of her choosing, all of the finest quality. It warmed her heart whenever she thought of how sweet he could be.

The yarn though was for a blanket, though not the person her husband likely expected it to be for. Ladybird was not making a baby blanket but a horse blanket. The stable was temperate even with the cooler nights but she had wanted to make something special for her new centaur acquaintance. She could not free him and this was hardly anything of worth in comparison but it came from the heart and was all Ladybird could think to offer.

It completely took her by surprise therefore when a soft voice above her spoke her name. Her head popped up with a shot and her eyes widened to realize he was speaking to her again. He had even remembered her name! Ladybird's face lit up brighter than the sun on a perfect summer's day. The face-splitting smile did not even falter as she shifted to her feet to see him better and took in his words.

"I'm glad you're feeling better, friend. Your coat has started to look quite shiny and lovely and your face has started to lose that sunken in look. If it truly is too much then I shall ask that it be reduced slightly but I would see you still eat well. You're quite the handsome gentleman after all," she chirped, her eyes crinkling joyfully. "Do you have any food changes or requests though? I admit I don't readily know what your people eat and cannot judge as to whether or not the staff has been feeding you right. I apologize for that grievance." Her head bowed in apology as she held the unfinished blanket close, keeping it from touching the dusty ground.

Ko'sah was relieved that she did not take insult to his request, though he stared at her for her compliments. He was confused as to why she might say such things or what it might mean if she considered them to be friends. Perhaps she might help him out of his predicament, but he wasn't going to count on it. It was equally as likely in his eyes that she was just trying to placate him into some sense of trust, though why he had no idea.

He shook his head gently at her questions, feeling it wrong that he make any requests of the food when he knew it was what all the other people shared in. There was no need to have them work extra to fuss over a unique meal for him like some honored guest. It stung a bit to be reminded of his own people, his herd not forgotten but often far from his mind. The centaur was just surviving and existing, he rarely thought on what things might have been like if he could have returned to his people. It was more a dream than anything, having been held a captive for so long.

"The food is good," he told her calmly, eyeing her curiously and not understanding why she stood now when she'd been sitting the whole time she'd spoken to him previously. "My people each much the same, just with more fruits and vegetables and less meat. I'm perfectly alright with the type of meals they provide for me." He hoped she understood the sincerity of his words, not wanting any trouble with the master of the house over something he was quite content with.

Silently the centaur eyed her up and down, studying the small woman curiously both in her manner of dress and the unfinished knitting she clutched in her hands that draped over her round belly. "You are...here to have your baby?" he guessed, eyes softening slightly.

He had always liked the children of his herd, their upbringing very much a group effort whenever they were away from their parents. No child was ever to fear someone of their home herd, all were a resource to lean upon. That time of his life had been quite short, however, having been taken away and to his current home when he was barely an adult himself. Briefly he wondered how long the vampire and his wife might stay, if he might be permitted to see the baby she now carried or if he would be seen as too dangerous for such a risk if they were still there at all.

She nodded along to his words, grateful that he was relatively content with the food. She did make a mental note though to ask that he begin more fruits and vegetables in his diet to better accommodate him. He night not ask for it but Ladybird was taking it upon herself to be his advocate whether he liked it or not.

His next words though made her voice and features soften. Ladybird lowered a hand to gently pet her swollen belly and stare at it in compassion and awe. "Aye, I am." She smoothed her hand over stomach, feeling the baby within kick back against her palm. "My pregnancy has been rather difficult you see. I'm only human but my husband is not. The doctor has been concerned that I have been putting too much stress on myself so Akakios whisked me away to here. Something about fresh air and sunshine," she chuckled softly, unconsciously smiling in memory of her husband's concern.

"I'll be here until the babe is born and likely some time after as I recover. She is to be my first though." Ladybird patted her stomach and shook her head. "My husband believes it will be a boy but I'm quite certain she's a little girl. Mother's intuition I suppose," she laughed.

Looking up at him with a beaming smile she asked, "would you like to feel the baby? She's being quite lively right now."

Truly it was some of the best news he'd heard in a long time, a small smile lighting his features and smoothing the tired lines in his face a bit. While her words confirmed his assumptions about whom she was married to it did not diminish the affection that was growing to know that he might meet a child someday. He knew of the younger servants and heard whispers of some of the bastard children born to the house but they did not visit him and he had not seen children happy at home in many a year.

He did not understand the disagreement that they had about guessing what the child might be. A healthy baby was a blessing, though he understood through his captivity that males tended to have some favor. Ko'sah stepped forward, nodding in agreement but stopped short. A frown quickly replaced what light had been there as he reached the end of his chains again and shook his head with a huff.

"I don't think they would like it if you opened the door," he reminded her gently, hanging his head in disappointment. "I'm here because I escaped the fields so much when I was young."

"Well then it's a good thing I'm not asking them then, isn't it?" Her face sparkled with mischief as she carefully folded the unfinished blanket in her arms and set it down. Only once it was carefully placed did she move to the lock on his stall door and place her hand upon it. There was a slight hesitation as she looked at the latch for the door and then up at his face.

"I don't believe I have anything to fear from you. Am I wrong in that belief?" Ladybird smirked then not even waiting for an answer as her hands pulled open the stall door with ease. She then carefully stood in its doorway and continued, "because I certainly won't tell them, if you don't."

Despite her words there was a slight line of tension that ran across her shoulders and down her spine. She knew that like with any horse, spooking a creature or getting in their face without the proper invitation was grounds for injury and that was the last thing she wanted. One hand rested over her belly where her unborn baby continued to kick against her hand while the other clutched the smooth wood of the stall door. If he wanted to escape he would have to bowl her over to do so. The noblewoman would be prepared to move as best as she could to get out of his way but given how ungainly her movements were, that really was not a viable option for her. She simply had to trust, and so trust she did in a centaur whose name she still did not know.

"Now would you like to feel the baby kick or should I make a dive for the hay?"

Ko'sah had eyed her skeptically, not understanding why she was placing such trust in him. Perhaps it was the chains that gave her a sense of security. He'd said nothing at first, just shaking his head but still keeping it bowed. He didn't feel she had anything to fear from him. Truly he was a gentle creature and the only people he'd ever become violent with were those that were sent after him and  entrapped him time and again before he'd been shackled.

He fidgeted anxiously as he eyed the open doorway around her, tail swishing in nervous agitation. When she'd beckoned him again, though, the centaur nodded silently in agreement. His took large, cautious steps closer and realized face-to-face just how small she was. He knelt down slowly on his forelegs to bring them closer, wincing at the metallic clatter of his chains as he reached out to her.

Warm, calloused hands touched against the sides of her roundness, cautious of moving them too much for fear of offending her if he went too high or too low. Very quickly he became entranced, a genuine smile playing at his lips and a bright giddiness reaching his eyes with a small gasp of surprise when he felt the fluttering movements of the babe.

Fondly he made slow circles with his thumbs and chuckled softly with delight when he was rewarded with more movement. "Your child... She is so strong already but she is running out of room, I think," he told her with an affectionate chuckle, his eyes holding a warmth that had been gone for many years.

"What will you call her?" he inquired, uncertain if she might share that with him. Not wanting to give her the awkward task of asking him to remove his hands the centaur slowly righted himself and let them slip away to hang at his sides instead.

She had remained still and calm as he made his decision and then finally knelt before her and pressed his hands against her. Ladybird was in awe of his gesture and his gentleness. The wonder on his own face made her tear up and wipe hurriedly at her eyes. Her uncontrollable hormones were sending her emotions all over the place. Such a precious sight brought her to tears and she was helpless to stop them even as she smiled lovingly down at him.

"Sorry," she sniffled slightly, blinking her eyes rapidly as she smiled and fanned her eyes. "Pregnancy makes me a bit more emotional than normal. But, thank you and yes. My little monster gets bigger every day." Ladybird tapped her fingers lightly against her little one, speaking with a deep love and fondness in her tone.

"If she's a girl then she'll be Lilith, Lily. My husband wants something formal for his firstborn but I do so have a fondness for flowers, isn't that right my little Lily." She rubbed her belly and cooed softly. "And if I'm wrong and it's a boy then he will be Ashley I hope. Akakios isn't overly fond of the name though so we're still undecided." She laughed then, raising her head to look at him up close and unhindered.

"Do you have suggestions?"

Ko'sah smiled down at her fondly, his eyes constantly flickering between her face and her hand against her belly as she spoke. He nodded, sighing softly in acceptance even though he really had no say in the matter. "I think those are lovely names," he'd agreed, a bit taken aback by her asking him for suggestions. How strange to ask her husband's living trophy for help with something so important, not understanding how she might see the centaur as a friend. He hated how she spoke so fondly of the man, not understanding how he might have convinced such a seemingly kind soul to stay by his side and bear his child.

He shook his head gently, eyeing the door briefly but making no move towards it. "My people use different names, but I do like many of the human ones I have heard. They are similar. My mother is called Tha'ri. I like her name," he shrugged, slumping slightly as he thought on his family. He realized in sharing that with her, though, that she might not have known his name unless she'd heard it from the servants or her husband. "I am Ko'sah, but I do not think your husband would like it if you used my name."

"Tha'ri," she repeated, letting the name roll around her tongue as she tested it out. "It's a beautiful name! I love it!" Ladybird beamed up at him, immensely pleased that he was finally conversing with her and even engaging her in conversation. It was a welcome change from the silence on his end as she simply chattered along.

She perked up further, her cheeks actually stinging with the amount of smiling she was doing as he finally gave her his name. "Ko'sah! It is an honour to know your name, she greeted him, clasping her hands together in her excitement. "As for my husband, I'm sure there's a great many things I do that do not please him. I know I'm certainly displeased with what he's done to you. If he wishes to complain then I have plenty to say to make his ears ring."

Her brows knit together as she thought of Akakios and her hands fell to her hips stubbornly. "Never you mind about him. I'm not afraid of him but he should be afraid of me these days." Nodding her head to end the discussion, her features softened again. "Do those names mean anything to your people?"

His eyes widened slightly at her declaration, not understanding how the vampire might have gotten himself into such an arrangement. Though she'd been gentle with him, the way she spoke of her husband let it be known she wouldn't be told what to do and seemed quite opinionated and independent herself.

A soft smile reached his lips for the way she planted her hands to her hips, looking so impossibly small even with that. The centaur shook his head gently at her question, fidgeting in place as he shuffled his hooves in the straw. "They are just what we call each other. Short names are preferred in my herd, especially for males. Makes it easier to talk on a hunt," he explained, not understanding what the point was of her knowing other than to try to get to know him and his ways a bit better. Was she truly trying to befriend him? It seemed like she was.

"What should I think of you as?" he asked nervously, hoping he had not offended her by his earlier use of the second name she'd given him. "You said you were called Ladybird but also...Petal?"

Ladybird smiled soothingly, wishing to be kind to him even as he was nervous and skittish around her. "My given name by my parents is Ladybird. I am not too fond of it though. My friends and loved ones call me Petal though. I would love if you called me Petal. I'd like to be your friend you see, that is of course if you'd be willing to be mine?"

She peeked up at him shyly, not wishing to pressure him. There was still a hopeful lilt in her voice though and the toe of her shoe dug nervously into the sweet hay of his flooring. "You don't have to. I understand if you don't trust me, if you think this all a trick and a ruse. But, for what it's worth I like you and I do want to get to know you more. I hope one day you can forgive me for what he's put you through. This is not how things should be." Her eyes filled with tears again as she lowered her head in shame. She had not meant to sour the conversation but her heart hurt every time she thought of him like this, a slave cooped up in stable and unable to be free as he deserved.

Her talk of friendship made him wary, his tail swishing anxiously the whole time she remained on the topic. He narrowed his eyes at how easily she pinpointed his fears, acknowledging that he thought it might have been a trick to get close to him. If anyone knew him at all they would have easily been able to identify Petal as the sort of person to break through his barrier, and he wasn't entirely sure if he was ready to be known by anyone. It also didn't seem smart to him to befriend her when she would likely leave once her baby was old enough to do so safely.

"Well Petal... I can't promise you it will work well, but- I might be able to try," he offered, scared of giving her any sort of commitment. From what he'd seen she seemed like a lovely, caring person. But the kind of woman who claimed she could act freely from her husband, strike fear in him even... Surely she had some sway over how he was kept or his freedom if she even bothered to ask. Ko'sah worried that she might not ask for the right thing to ever be done by him so long as she got to visit a captive friend and tell him all her stories.

A small flash of fire in his eyes was gone just as quickly as it had come and a scowl was left in its wake. The centaur turned his side to her, gesturing dismissively towards the door with one hand. "You should leave before they find you here," he warned her, somehow managing to keep the worst of his bite from his tone.

"Thank you. It's all I can hope to ask for," she murmured softly. His agitation was obvious to her though she had no idea how close she had hit the nail on the head. In that moment, Ladybird knew what she must do though. She would earn his trust and friendship. She would do right by Ko'sah and perhaps one day she would be able to free him as he deserved. The pregnant woman had no way of knowing how long it would take but she knew the power of her determination. She would do this for him, not because she wished to win his attention but, because it was the right thing to do.

At his dismissal, Ladybird found herself nodding sadly and silently before bowing out and carefully locking his stall door again. "Thank you again, Ko'sah. I hope to be able to talk with you again when you are willing." She sighed softly, wondering if today was a fluke to never be repeated again. Those thoughts did not last long though and she hurried to brush them aside.

"I'll see you tomorrow though. I should return home for a nap." Ladybird yawned tiredly and shook her head. As the days went by she found she was more and more tired, needing to rest often after even the simplest of tasks were completed. "Thank you again for your company.," she commented while gathering up her knitting things and heading for the stable door. After her nap Ladybird had already decided she would be working to make some changes for Ko'sah. If she could not free him then at the very least she should be able to give him quality of life.

It was odd to him how much she continued to visit, how much she spoke even when he had little to say. Every day Petal came to the stables, sitting with him for hours with her knitting and chattering on in a way that never annoyed him. Her voice was soothing, motherly, and he had no doubts she would be an excellent mother to her child. She always showed such kindness and gentleness, never pressuring him to do more than he was comfortable with even as she herself grew larger by the day and getting around seemed to visually be taking its toll on her.

He wondered if what connection they had was what it was like to be friends with a human, but it scared him. Ko'sah knew he was getting too attached, that there was always such a sense of relief when she visited as she always did even though nearly every day he half-expected her to just stop coming by.

He felt in his heart it was dangerous. One day her husband would discover what she was doing and he assumed forbid them from talking at best. Even if that never happened, the home they stayed in was not his master's real home. One day they would leave with whatever young child they had, and Ko'sah was sure a piece of his heart with them if he continued to allow such affection to blossom, if he let himself become attached to mother and child. About one month into their odd friendship, though, the centaur didn't see much he could do to drive her off.

She had obliged any requests he'd made of her, both bringing his food back down to comfortable portions and enhancing his meals with a bit more variety. The noblewoman had even allowed him anything he'd requested thus far, though he couldn't bring himself to ask for anything but small favors. She never seemed to make it an awkward affair whenever he wanted to be alone either, quietly leaving to waddle back to the house. Most of the time he didn't mind her company, and he wondered how much it would hurt when she would eventually have to leave him behind and go back to her normal life.

Time had passed and the blanket and her belly both grew larger with each passing day. Movement was becoming more and more difficult. She tired easily and slept more. However, Ladybird refused to end her morning visits with Ko'sah. She loved them and considered them a blessing to be privileged with having. Yet, even they took a toll on her body and it was not uncommon for her knitting to falter or need readjusting because she had gone and distracted herself from what she was doing. She persisted all the same, intent on finishing this gift for her new friend before her wee flower finally greeted the world.

Today however was the day. She had finished the blanket, having tied off the last row and now was on her way to deliver it. Ladybird waddled her way into the stables with the brightest of smiles and the folded blanket clutched close to her chest. "Good morning, Ko'sah!" she called out from the entrance, unable to even wait until she was closer to greet him. She did her best to hurry over even as she continued to chatter exuberantly.

"Did you sleep well? I hope you're well today. I have something for you," she giggled, all but skipping as she bustled her way up to his stall and quickly undid the lock on it. It swung open with a bit of a bang in her excitement but she hardly noticed as she shifted from foot to foot, her eyes crinkled in uncontrollable joy.

"I finished it!" Ladybird declared, holding the blanket out to him to see. "I made it for you and it's finally finished. I hope you like it," she chattered on. Her face reflected the pure childlike innocence of her happiness as she awaited his response nervously. He had seen her making it for a month now but she had never once asked his opinion on it. She had not wanted him to deny her this small pleasure of doing something nice for someone else. Now that it was time though, she worried that he would find the yarn too scratchy or the color too tacky for his liking. Each cable that wove in and out of the pattern had been made with love and care. Ladybird had poured her heart into it and she could only hope that he would understand and see that.

Petal's familiar, happy lilt normally soothed his nerves but that morning Ko'sah grew tense at her approach. "Good morning," he'd huffed, having not been prepared even though it was her morning ritual, a thoughtful frown creasing his face even once he'd caught sight of her at his door.

He'd offered a small shrug at her polite questions, not really certain anymore how well or poorly he ever slept when his whole life managed to be one long, dull moment that stretched on forever. Her declaration, though, left his brow quirked in curiosity. What could she possibly have for him? He assumed food, she had occasionally brought him treats that weren't a part of his normal diet: sweets and the finer foods his master seemed to reserve for his wife.

She'd opened the door as casually as any other day, so trusting that he wouldn't try to break through his bonds and escape the stall. He could feel the anxious energy coming off her in waves, though, and it piqued his interest why she might be so excitable. It was so early in the day and she'd yet to dive into something she was passionate about like her flowers or the animals she tended at her home.

When she'd presented him with the blanket she'd been knitting, though, the centaur snorted and jumped back a bit, staring with wide eyes as she unfurled it like he'd been startled and hadn't seen the very same blanket being worked on during all her visits. He'd never thought she might trouble herself to make it for him.

Ko'sah frowned sadly, his eyes softening in disappointment even as he stepped forward gingerly to take the blanket in his hands. It was beautiful and a deep, luxurious green that seemed sprouted from the forests of his home. It was as soft as the hair of a babe and his heart ached as he rubbed his thumbs in circles against it. It seemed like such a labor of love, but he didn't think he would ever be allowed to keep such a gift. At best it would only be taken from him once Petal returned home and wasn't around to stop them, nothing had stopped them from taking his few possessions long ago when he'd been captured.

The light blue in his eyes swirled darker, his head hung in shame as he huffed and turned his head away from her. The joy in his heart made his chest ache, and it really was such a cruel trick of life to bring him such happiness and pain at once.

"I don't need this," he growled, his hands clutching it gradually turning to fists. The slack fabric grew taut and he glowered at it like the beautiful blanket had personally wronged him by its very existence. Rage was growing in his chest, the ache of joy slowly turning to stabbing spikes of frustration.

With a grimace he pulled his hands further apart, easily tearing the blanket in a clean split before tossing each half to the ground in anger. Without thinking for her safety he reared up as high as his stall and chains would allow him, stomping down hard across the soft fabric and crushing it to the straw floor. He spaded at it several times with his hooves for good measure, like it was a lurking snake that he needed to ensure was dead.

Ko'sah didn't need such personal kindness from her, such gestures of friendship and love that wouldn't mean anything once she was gone and with her family while he would still be locked away and alone. Tears stung at his eyes as he glared at her, his eyes darting about her face and silently begging to understand why she'd done such a thing like it had been worse for her to offer her gift than for him to ruin it.

Knowing that the tears couldn't be stopped, though, he turned his side to her and turned his face to look at the rear wall of his stall. He was too ashamed to face her, he didn't want her to have to see him cry. "Just...leave," he croaked, tail swishing in agitation as a faint trembling took over his body.

For the briefest of moments it seemed that her gift was well-received and Ladybird all but beamed in her excitement and joy. That smile faltered though as his hands went from caressing the soft wool to shearing it in half, the force of the movement causing the strands to pop audibly one after the other as the tension became too much and they lost the ability to cling together any longer.

Her heart screamed to see all the hours and days of her lard labor treated so callously and cruelly, to see it tossed to the floor as if what she had given him was worse than a used rag. Her brown eyes prickled with unshed tears as she struggled to remain still and impassive in the face of his well-deserved rage. He reared up before her and though Ladybird gasped at the sight, her only movement was to place a protective hand over her belly in surprise. Ko'sah ground the once beautiful green yarn into a tattered mess with his hooves, the sound of them banging and grinding on the floor like the beat of a hammer upon the anvil of her heart.

It was entirely all her fault. She had used an enslaved creature to be a pet and friend to her, promising him freedoms that were not hers to give. To him, her friendship had been unwanted and only accepted most likely out of fear of her and her vampire husband. What else was a trained dog to do but dance at its master's bidding? The very thought made her throat choke painfully for air and her chest heave with the effort to remain still and a witness to the punishment she so rightly deserved.

The moment their eyes met, Ladybird knew and understood. Her own eyes flood with tears as he bid her leave. She had not meant to make a sound but as she spun on her heel she could not help but hate herself as a weak and quiet wail escaped her lips. The door of his stall closed violently with a bang, her hands fumbling with the locks halfheartedly. She wanted nothing to do with chaining him up. He could run free for all she cared. It was all she wanted to be able to do for him after all, to set him free. The heavy lock fell with a heavy bang to the floor and Ladybird just left it there as she tearfully gave up. As fast as her ungainly body would let her, she fled the stables, burning tears streaking down her face in shame as she went.

Refusing to go into the house where her husband and the others could see and ask questions about her state of mind, the pregnant noblewoman found herself drawn to the open fields where the horses were let out to run. At least here no one could judge her or ridicule her for what she had just done. Her own mind was tearing into her plenty.

She stopped only as she came to the wooden fence and clung fiercely to it like it was her only lifeline in a swirling and roaring ocean. For several moments each breath she took was a struggling gulp for air between heavy sobs. How could she be so naive? So foolish? How could she think if she did something so insignificant that it would repair all the damage that had already been done to him?

Ladybird tore into herself for a good long while until the curious and soothing faces of the horses pressed their velvety noses against her neck and cheeks, distracting her from her own mental self-flagellation. Little by little each breath became easier and she buried her face against their warm necks and petted wherever she could reach on them.

"Thank you," she murmured softly to them, her voice sounding raw even to her own ears. "I know I am being incredibly selfish about all this. He's the one that's hurting because of me and I'm the one out here crying like a loon. I need to fix this. This is my fault and I deserve everything he hates and feels against me but, that's why I have to do it, right? Of course. He can hate me at the end of the day, despise and want to hurt me but I want to be able to go to bed knowing I own up to my mistakes, that I have honor. I will make this right."

True to her word, the next morning, Ladybird was there. The light in her was dimmed, her face solemn and ashamed as she entered the stable and took her usual spot on the bales of hay. There were no balls of yarn in her hands, a pale variegated pink this time that reminded her of wild carnations. Quietly she got to work. There was no chatter from her today as there had been in the past. She had not earned the right to annoy him and talk his ear off but she was there all the same, hurt yet contrite. The only thing she said to him was a gentle "good morning," as her fingers clicked the needles together with each knit and perl. Ladybird did not speak his name aloud. He had given that to her confidence and now after his earlier display, she did not feel worthy of uttering it. Perhaps one day she would, but that day was not today and so silently she worked.

Ko'sah had lifted his head sharply at the sound of the stall door falling slightly ajar once Petal had fled. Her cry had tugged at his heart and he felt terribly guilty for upsetting her, but he also still burned with a rage that frightened him over her gesture. For a long moment he held his breath, certain she or one of the stable hands would come quickly to lock him back up, but it didn't happen. There was some commotion happening at the barn doors over her quick escape and he hoped it might have been enough of a distraction.

He stepped forward slowly, reaching out to gently inch the door closed again so that they might not suspect it was unlocked if anyone walked by. The centaur spent the better part of his afternoon yanking at his chains, contorting himself to try to kick at the links attached to his shackles. Eventually he'd weakened it enough to pull his arms free, though the metal bands at his wrists remained. The ones attached to his forelegs were also broken in short order with a sense of urgency spurring him on at his first sign of freedom in ages.

Several hours after Petal had left him Ko'sah was finally nudging the door open and stepping out into the aisle, his whole body trembling in nervous anticipation as his hooves clicked dully against the floor. He didn't see any of the hands lingering so he made a bolt for the open doors leading out to the rear pastures.

Fresh air flooded his lungs, the sensation felt so good but he'd had no time to stop and savor it. The stable hands that were filling water buckets at the well turned to catch sight of the tall centaur, his all-black coat standing out in broad daylight. There were shouts of panic calling after him as their work was abandoned and horses were saddled quickly to give chase.

He'd easily hopped the pasture fence, bolting in a full-on gallop towards the perimeter fence with a guilt-filled look towards the house he hadn't seen properly in years. It stood so tranquil against the open countryside and the view reminded him again of Petal's warmth and kindness. The guilt stung, growing heavy in his chest as he neared the fence at the back of his master's property. Another attempt at freedom was right there but he'd slowed and then skidded to a stop as the thought of the "monster" punishing his pregnant wife for letting him free crossed his mind.

Heart pounding in his chest he cast a nervous, wild look over his shoulder at the approaching group on horseback. They looked just as perplexed as he felt conflicted over how quickly he'd stopped running. In times past he'd had to be chased to exhaustion all through the woods and pastures for nearly a day before they'd been able to catch up to him.

Without hesitation or questioning several ropes were secured around his torso, arms, and throat. The men were eager to get him back to the barn and Ko'sah went numbly, giving no resistance as he labored to catch his breath through tears and the emotional trembling that still wracked his body. No, he couldn't forgive himself if Petal suffered any more because of him. Despite his frustrations she had made kind gestures to him regularly that seemed so genuine. He wanted to believe in them, even if all it ever brought him was momentary joy and good memories to savor.

He'd been returned to his stall without any further fuss, walking along as obediently as a dog and standing still for them to secure new, heavier chains to his shackles. There were mutterings about informing his master while the ropes were removed and his door was securely locked once more. He grimaced at the thought of that evil man paying him another visit, but if that might spare Petal any poor treatment he would gladly take whatever was to come.

Surprisingly dinner was brought to him as usual and then breakfast the next morning as well. He almost wondered if the stable hands had decided against telling the vampire anything had happened at all.

When Petal arrived not long after with more knitting to work on he could only stand still in shock, watching her warily as she sat with her eyes down. There were no angry words, just a clear sadness hanging over her as she worked and said nothing. The familiar hand of guilt gripped his heart as he realized how truly genuine she must have been that whole time. Hanging his head to escape looking at her did nothing to help, though, as he was reminded of what he'd done with the tattered pieces of the green blanket strewn among the straw on the floor.

Ko'sah wasn't sure what to say or what he could even offer her in apology for all the trouble he'd caused her. He wanted to explain that he was afraid and angry, make her see that he was frustrated with his lot in life and not necessarily at her. Her kindnesses had only reminded him so clearly of it the previous day.

He had no time to try to form the words, though. Silence descended upon the stable as Akakios had stepped inside. The centaur had a feeling but couldn't quite make him out until he'd stood before his stall, stopping just beside Petal's seat on the bales of hay. It had always unnerved him how the man never aged, his pristine appearance so unblemished as he looked him over with a critical eye.

Ko'sah's nostrils flared, chin raising slightly in challenge as he stepped forward with a snarl. The links of his chains ground together noisily as he strained against his shackles, putting himself right up against the door without fear. He would not be intimidated and he would not stand idly if the vampire had come to bother, upset, or harm his wife as she sat before him.

Fire burned in his eyes as he stared down at Akakios, but eventually the vampire's expression gave way to something that looked of...concern? His eyes had softened, his hands folding together pensively as he peered into the stall before looking at his wife with a frown. His eyes had lingered on her belly for a few moments before he stepped away to kneel beside her and whisper at her ear things he couldn't quite make out himself. Still Ko'sah stood as protectively as he could muster, his chest heaving with labored breaths as he glowered down at him. He would not allow her to be harmed even if it meant breaking apart the entire stall to stop him.

"Please be careful. Please think of the baby. He barely speaks and he's dangerous," Akakios had murmured gently to his wife, hoping he could make her see reason through her compassionate heart. He had no idea how much time she'd been spending with him or the things they'd talked about, but it had been whispered about the house that she had set him free on purpose. Given the damage that had been done to his bonds the vampire doubted it had entirely been purposeful if it had truly been her doing. He did not understand why she sat near him or how long she'd been going to the stables to visit but he could only assume his wife had been trying to break through to the centaur when he'd escaped.

Ladybird knew the moment her husband made an appearance in the stables. The silence that always followed in his wake was the only tell she needed. She remained silent as well though as she ignored him and continued on with her knitting. If he had come to berate her then she was ready for a fight. If he had come to harm Ko'sah though then Akakios would not recognize  the fury in his petite and precious wife.

Her eyes slid over to him as her hands stilled at his words. For several moments Ladybird simply stared, her expression clearly one of displeasure. While she appreciated his care and attention towards her, she still wished that it extended in part to others as well.

"He speaks plenty if you but take the time to listen," the woman replied finally, her voice clear and strong. She had nothing to hide. If Akakios was ashamed and wished to talk in whispers then that was on him. Ladybird had done enough to harm Ko'sah. He deserved to hear the truth, to hear how she truly felt. She owed him that at the very least.

She sighed softly before reaching out a hand to cup Akakios's cheek. "I am disappointed in you, my love. Did you truly think I would not find out? That I would be pleased with this?" She looked at him as if the words were tearing her apart inside, in truth they were. She ached knowing that this beautiful creature was a caged and boxed pet meant to be on display and nothing more than a living trophy for all to see.

"When I married you, I made it very clear how I felt about slavery and your treatment of the people that ran your house. This hurts me more. He is a beautiful and intelligent sentient creature that you have tethered up like a stray dog. Akakios when I first met him he was starving. He isn't even allowed to run or leave his stall! How is that right?"

Tears flooded her eyes as her heart tore and her hormones waged war against her. Sniffling and with quivering lips, she struggled to remain strong and resolute. "This cannot continue, Akakios. I will not stand by to see you and your staff treat him or any creature like him as less than what they are. He is a person, not some animal. He has no less worth than you or me.

"Akakios you know I love you more than words could ever say but, is this how you want to raise our child? Is this what you want to teach her? To teach him? I can't. I won't stand by and accept this. Please, my love don't make me do it." Her other hand reached up to hold his face as she leaned towards him, her gaze watery with unshed tears. "I don't want to resent you when I love you so much. Please?"

Conflict gripped in the vampire's chest, his eyes taking on the darker look of shame to realize how much it all affected her. While he didn't visit often he'd kept the centaur for more than Petal's own lifetime and he wasn't entirely comfortable with what she was asking. If he released him he would surely run as he had the previous day, though he had not been informed of the fact that the centaur had stopped short of leaving his lands and had also not resisted being captured again.

Yet he knew how she felt about the subject very well, always showing him why he should relax his rules and strictness and reward desirable behavior. But the centaur was different, he did nothing to give him monetary value to the vampire aside from his existence on his property.

With a heavy sigh Akakios gently squeezed at her shoulder and tilted his head to press a soft kiss to her cheek before he slipped away from her hands to stand again, seeing no reason to whisper if she wanted Ko'sah to hear their conversation. "We will discuss this further, I would like to hear your thoughts more. At the house," he said pointedly, knowing that the particulars of their arrangements were not really the centaur's concern and he needed privacy and calm to fully explain to her why he was kept caged in the way that he was. If she felt there was something that could be done to improve his quality of life, though, he would certainly hear her out if there was a way of doing so without entirely releasing his stolen creature.

With a final look at Ko'sah standing tall and posturing so protectively Akakios left them peacefully, quietly making his way back outside. The centaur didn't begin to relax until the man was entirely out of view, his eyes focusing entirely on Petal once more with a dark look of concern hanging over him. As much as he admired her strength he didn't like the idea of her sticking her neck out for him, especially to her husband that controlled his fate.

"You didn't need to do that. Please do not endanger yourself for my sake," he murmured, feeling further shame to realize how protective she was of him and to know she felt so strongly about his situation that she would scold her husband for his living conditions. "They do not starve me, but there have been days where meals are forgotten. I do not think that is his doing, though," Ko'sah told her honestly, not wanting her to be unnecessarily bitter towards her husband. There were many things he could not refute about his treatment, but it was not torture by any means.

She stared at the man she called husband firmly as he stood and bade her continue their discussion elsewhere. For several moments she did not move nor speak until at last she nodded her head in agreement. "Tonight then. I wish to stay here longer. I find it peaceful," Ladybird told him before he left her alone in the stables again with the centaur.

The woman had resumed her knitting again when Ko'sah's voice sounded and surprised her. The last thing she had expected was him to speak to her again, let alone so soon. She raised a dark brow at his statement but her hands and gaze did not falter. "I was not in any danger."

Softly she sighed and shook her head slightly. "Before I came here and saw you I would have said he's changed greatly since I first met him. I still believe he has just perhaps not as much as I had thought. I told you before I did not like this and I would say something to him if it came to it. I meant that. I understand if you don't believe me though." Ladybird paused for a few seconds as she tried to breathe deeply and keep from crying at the thoughts of her abusing his trust the day before resurfaced and danced in her ears.

"His direct doing or not, he has a responsibility to you! He wants to own and possess you, then he must take the blame for how you are mistreated. He cannot have it both ways. I would not see him own you or others like you if I could. The least I can do is make your life bearable and comfortable. How can I trust him to care for me and my baby if he cannot handle your care?"

Ladybird shook her head again and looked up at Ko'sah. "I do not expect you to understand. Frankly, I'm sure you despise me," she choked on her words and dropped her head. "I deserve that and more. I love him, he who has done this to you, in spite of everything that has happened. I want to try and right the wrongs he's made against you even though it is nowhere near enough of what you deserve. My only regret is that I cannot do more and I am so, so sorry." Her gaze lowered after her apology as she turned instead to stare at the soft yarn in her lap and wait for his rebuke. She never should have tried to befriend him. Instead she should have set him free. She still should set him free and yet she was too much of a coward to do so.

The centaur stared at her, wide-eyed and tight-lipped as she apologized to him. It seemed so sincere and he desperately wanted to believe her, but what could she even do for him? Probably nothing, he thought.

"He did not seem pleased," he murmured, wincing at the mental image of the vampire that remained so vividly in his mind. It had always been incredibly unnerving to have his keeper look at him with such indifference. Ko'sah was convinced he was seen as a creature without any social needs, an animal kept locked away from the rest of the world. Sure he was fed and clean, but before Petal's visits had begun he'd had no companionship. Akakios's visits had been infrequent and impersonal, he was always spoken about and very rarely spoken to. Even the stable hands he had the most interaction with seemed more concerned about completing their chores than knowing more about him or telling him what happened in the world outside of his home.

The more he listened to her speak, though, the more guilty he felt about what he'd done to her gift. He was still wary of her attention because there was no way she would stay near forever, eventually they would return home and he would be alone again like nothing had ever happened. Her words did help him understand her sincerity, though. Even if she couldn't truly do anything about his situation he should have cherished more the fact that she did care enough to speak up about it and spend the time with him that she could.

"I don't think he trusts me enough to give me any more freedoms. I have abused trust in the past, tried to escape when I have been let out to the fields," he explained softly, hanging his head in guilt.

"So it is not exactly his fault that I am kept like this. It is the only way they know how to...control me," he ground out, a frustrated frown creasing his face. "I have tried everything I know to try to convince him to free me. I don't think he's interested in that at all, though. But that is not your fault, so... I'd rather not see you unhappy with him for my sake. I don't despise you for your choice of mate, but you have no obligation to right his wrongs either."

"He usually isn't," she chuckled in response, shaking her head slightly as she recalled all the times she had butted heads with her husband. The smile faded though quickly for Ladybird did not feel it was the time or place for brevity when she was having such a serious conversation. She did not want her apology to seem any less sincere than it was.

Her brows knit together sternly as he continued speaking though. "You are not to blame in this! You should not defend him," she persisted heatedly, looking up at Ko'sah with a passionate expression. "You are not a beast to be controlled you are sentient. You speak. You feel. You," her voice cracked as she fought to continue, overcome with emotion as she was.

"Free things should be kept free!" she declared with a stamp of her foot. "My unhappiness towards him is not your doing though," she added more softly. "He knew my feelings on this matter when he married me. If not you it would be someone or something else we would disagree on. We have had this conversation before several times. I'm sure we will have it again in the future."

She sighed and waved her hand tiredly as if she could brush away the subject entirely. "I trust you even though I have lost yours. And I am sorry I can't do more. You deserve so much more and so much better. It may not be my fault who I married but I share responsibility now as his wife. If he will not right these wrongs then I will. One way or another."

Ladybird rubbed her swollen belly as she felt her unborn child kick inside. "You deserve so much more than I know how to give. But, things change now. You will be better cared for. You will be given more freedoms even if I cannot give you the ultimate freedom you deserve. Enough is enough."

The pregnant woman breathed heavily, her passionate words leaving her breathless for several moments. She struggled to calm herself even as she fidgeted on the bale of hay to get comfortable again. "You don't have to believe me but I will. I promise you that. And I will be speaking with Akakios. Kia help him because he is not going to like what I have to say for it is long overdue.

"That being said though...is there anything you would like that I can try to get you? I wish I could do more but...are you hurt? Have they been feeding you properly?"

He watched her with wide eyes as she set out her passionate plan. The centaur was skeptical about her ability, but her words gave him a small glimmer of hope that he wanted so badly to believe in. Could she really make things any better for him? Did she have that kind of authority?

Ko'sah shook his head at her questions, not wanting her to worry about him when she had much more important things to give her attention to in his opinion. "No, they haven't hurt me at all. I think they are afraid of me actually, but... The food has been better, more vegetables than they usually give. Was that your doing?"

He offered her a small smile but deep down he felt ridiculous trying to have a conversation with her. His sad, pathetic existence didn't deserve him her favor, especially when he'd been mean and angry before. Did she not care? Did she blame it on his captivity?

He didn't deserve that kind of consideration, he'd lashed out and let emotions get the better of him. He could have hurt her, could have brought the wrath of the vampire down upon the whole household if he'd left. Hanging his head at that thought he stepped as close as his bonds would allow and reached a hand out to her in apology.

"I'm very sorry if I hurt you," he murmured, still feeling great shame for what he'd done the previous day. "I hope that you can forgive me, I...lost myself in a moment of weakness and I shouldn't have," he offered in explanation, feeling terrible guilt for lashing out at the one person who had shown him such kindness.

She smiled softly at his response. It was a relief to her that they had not harmed him, and that they had been following her orders. Ladybird nodded her head affirmatively. "Yes, yes it was. I hope that's alright. If you'd like something else then you need only say. I wasn't sure what kinds of vegetables you'd prefer or even what's best for you. I found a few books but they're really not that informative. I can try and get some more but I'm sure you know better than I do what you like to eat and can or should eat. I hope that's alright and not...too much. I just want to help," she told him with a nervous furrow of her brow.

Her expression quickly brightened though as she hurried to assuage his concerns. "No, no, no! You didn't hurt me at all. Please you shouldn't apologize to me I'm the one that was wrong here, not you. You've been wronged in so many ways, by me and by others and I am so sorry, Ko'sah. You have every right to be angry with me and your situation. You have every right to feel frustrated and angry and hurt and want to take that out on the nearest person. I only made your situation worse. It is no kindness to "gift" you nice things and expect you to be all better for it when you are still caged. I'm sorry Ko'sah.

"One of the things that I think is very important that needs to change though is you need someone better to care for you. Someone who can treat you with the respect and kindness that you deserve. I can't care for you the way you need to be looked after. My state alone, prevents that if nothing else," she said with an apologetic smile as she waved at her swollen middle. "I have to talk to them still but, there's someone I think who shares a heart like mine, someone who if they're willing would be able to look after you with the same gentleness that I try to show you, someone I hope will fight for you when I am unable to. Because you deserve so much more than I can give and I'm going to do all that I can in my power to ensure you benefit as much as possible from what little good I can provide you."

Ladybird looked up at him then, her eyes full of hope and concern as she weakly smiled up at him. "If you need anything please, please try to trust me to get it for you if you ask. I wish I could do more but, I will do my best. I mean that. I mean everything I've told you, Ko'sah." She swallowed the lump in her throat before nodding her head once more and squaring her shoulders in determination. "I should head back but I will return again tomorrow, like always. Please don't forget you can ask me if you need anything or want anything. I mean it."

~~~
Days passed and Ladybird kept true to her word. Every day she returned to see Ko'sah. Every day she strove to do right by him. She would speak with him and treat him with the same kindness and attention that she had showed him from day one.

Behind the scenes Ladybird had other plans set in motion. It had taken some time but she had been able to locate the woman she had seen weeks ago in the fields training horses. The villagers knew her as Rosie and had been more than happy to share what they knew about her with Petal. The young woman was a quiet soul who mostly kept to herself. That being said Rosie had a way with the horses that even the most experienced trainers had yet to measure up to.

It had taken some convincing to meet with her and even more to get Rosie to agree to come to the manor to see the horses. In the end though, Ladybird succeeded for she was nothing if not a stubborn and persistent woman. So on a calm and sunny day, the lady of the house lead the slimmer and taller woman quietly into the stables. After following her normal routine of greeting each of the horses, she at last stopped before the Centaur's pen and gently introduced the pair.

"Ko'sah this is Rosie. Rosie, Ko'sah.  Aside from helping with the care of our horses here your main duties will be the care and treatment of Ko'sah. Our current hands are well and good with the horses but Ko'sah requires a more understanding and compassionate individual," Ladybird continued. "Ihope the two of you will find you can better get along than others have," she added with a slightly pleading look to the Centaur, silently begging him to trust her.

Rosie remained still and quiet through it all. There was a confidence in her posture that suggested she knew what she was doing but also a lack of tension in her shoulders that displayed her calmness. It was as if seeing a Centaur for the first time was nothing new or special to her. Her eyes though never raised above the top of the stall door. Not once did she look up at his face even as she slowly and gently approached his gate. Rosie stopped though just beyond where she imagined his reach to be. She had no desire to spook him nor provoke him. Behind her, Ladybird waited quietly, her eyes darting between the pair in nervous anticipation.

To her it was no different than approaching an unfamiliar horse. She dipped her head to him in silent greeting. Then, after a long pause, the woman slowly raised her hand, arm fully extended and palm facing open and open to him to see and judge his reaction. She meant no harm and if he recognized that then she would proceed with greeting and examining him. If he rejected her or displayed signs of aggression or skittishness then she would back off and approach him later until he became used to her.

He'd wanted to protest against Petal's concerns about his care. He was alive, fed, and not suffering. It was really all he could ask for. The very idea of being cared for left him nervous as he reflected on it in his times of isolation. He did not want to become a pet, and he didn't even understand what could be done for his "care" that would not turn out that way eventually. Each day Petal's visits were met with growing enthusiasm, though.

Theirs was certainly an unconventional friendship but the centaur realized rather quickly that it was what they had and he was eager to hold onto it for however long it might last. He considered himself lucky for not driving her off before, but the small woman had definitely been persistent enough to break through to him. He was no longer skeptical of her motives, Petal was too kind and generous for deception. Just as it seemed they were settling into a routine, though, he was surprised to see she'd brought company.

Ko'sah had heard the newcomer before he saw her being so highly attuned to distinguishing people among the stables by their gait, the sound of her footsteps being foreign to him. The casual introduction left him staring down at the two women with a questioning tilt to his head. He did not recognize the reverence in Rosie's gestures, watching her curiously as she raised her hand to him.

Blue eyes darted between her outstretched palm and Petal face with apprehension and sadness. The centaur assumed the woman was a new stable hand by the description he'd heard about her duties and also incorrectly assumed she would be a slave in them as the others were. He had so many questions for the lady of the house that stood behind her but he saw no reason to be uncivil with Rosie in that moment.

Stepping closer to the door he reached over it to awkwardly pat at her hand, completely stumped as to how he should have actually returned the gesture. "Hello... I'm Ko'sah," he told her quietly, though his eyes quickly found Petal again in his nervousness once he realized he likely sounded a fool since she'd already introduced them. "Ko'sah of Brokenstone," he clarified, uncertain if she might have been familiar with his herd.