Of Crows and Songbirds (Part 3)

Kaelan had found a friend in Rifkin nearly as fast as the girls had, and was grateful to be on this detail with him.

Well. He wasn't grateful to be on this detail at all. It felt like he was being stabbed in the heart every time he thought about having to dump his sister off like a piece of meat to this monstrous Northern Lord.

But he still kept hovering around Rifkin and emulating the older soldier to figure out how to conduct himself. Stay out of Lieutenant Mikaelson's way as much as possible.

(Oh kiddo it's gonna be ok)

It was about twenty minutes before Bay returned.
"Be welcome," he said, and the gates creaked open.

"Thank you!" the messenger called back, leading the procession into the courtyard.

Rifkin pulled open the door to the carriage with the girls in it and began helping them down gently. His gaze softened when he locked eyes with Talia. "You're gonna be just fine, lassie," he murmured under his breath, helping her down slowly. "Deep breaths. You're strong."

She didn't feel very strong at all but she nodded miserably and climbed out, straightening her shoulders as she huddled close to the other girls and looked around fearfully from their position in the middle of the pack of soldiers that had escorted them. There were maybe a dozen people in all in their little procession -- about six soldiers, the messenger, three girls, and a couple of slaves.

Bay met them on the ground and looked them all over, frowning at the clothes on the girls. "That isn't sufficient travelwear at all," he said grimly. "I'll see you all inside to get warm. Have you eaten?"

The man was spooky. Talia wondered if he was one of the ones she'd have to placate. She sort of hoped not; he looked like he could be... demanding. But he wasn't necessarily bad looking. And she supposed she'd rather have to do it than either of her friends.

"Yes, sir," the messenger said with a nod.

Well, some of them had, anyway. Not the girls, obviously. Couldn't have them bloated before they arrived.

He stepped nearer the man with Lieutenant Mikaelson at his shoulder to lead the way. Talia followed behind with her two friends huddled at her shoulders, looking more confident than either of them even though she was absolutely every bit as scared. Rifkin and Kaelan walked on either side of them protectively. The other soldiers and slaves hung back to help put the horses and luggage up.

"I'll see to it you're all given a meal; Lord Ash will see you in his office after that." He glanced toward the soldiers and slaves. "You'll be joining us; our stable hands will see to the horses and I'll send a few servants for the luggage."

(Gaius rolling up the the scene like https://youtube.com/shorts/5cu2QMHsuvc?feature=share )

(lmao)

The soldiers glanced at Mikaelson, who nodded.

"Sir." They dipped their heads and joined the group along with the slaves.

Bay led them inside.

They followed in a tight pack, quiet.

Bay glanced over his shoulder. "I took the liberty of notifying the kitchen, so you should all have warm bowls of oatmeal and cups of tea waiting for you in the dining hall already. I hope that's to your liking."

"Thank you, sir. That's very kind of you." The messenger dipped his head.

Talia was excited at the thought of there being tea. She was allowed to have that. And that seemed warmed. That would be nice. Before she ended up with a reptilian grasp all over her body.

(I'm very curious about her expectations of Gaius)

He led them to the dining hall and opened the door. There were indeed steaming meals waiting at twelve chairs.

(They're not generous lol)

The messenger bowed slightly to Captain Bay. "Thank you, sir." He went and took the position set nearest the head of the table, though of course that one itself hadn't been set. He gave the girls a pointed look at they all dipped their heads, understanding what was being said without him having to say it.

Everyone sat down and Talia reached for her tea, sipping on it immediately even though it was still very hot. It felt nice. Something for her to focus on other than her anxiety.

What was this man going to be like? Lord Ash? She heard he could be severe. Stern. But he didn't keep slaves of his own, which was confusing. Perhaps that meant he didn't like feeling like he was dominating people. In that case, she'd need to make sure she pretended to be extra-eager. Make him forget that she wasn't there willingly. Pretend that his dick was god's gift to women. That's what all men wanted to feel like, right?

Bay seated himself at the table as well, watching them all. His brow furrowed when none of the girls touched the oatmeal.

Talia didn't know what the mush in the bowls was, but it smelled nice and there were little berries and sugar that the soldiers were piling on top. Could she get away with a berry? She glanced over at the messenger, then Lieutenant Mikaelson, then back at her tea. Best not to risk it. She'd gotten to eat dinner last night so it hadn't been that long since she'd eaten. She'd be okay.

And if she pleased Lord Ash enough, perhaps he'd let her partake in his post-sex snacks... if he had them. Makata always did. And he shared sometimes if she did well enough.