Of Crows and Songbirds (Part 3)

He nodded in agreement. "King Harold outlawed it but there's always going to be something slipping through. But we're safe here, I promise. Gaius is great. His whole family is, honestly."

Gaius was writing in his office again.

Talia relaxed ever so slightly, nodding. "... That's Lord Ash?" She didn't know his first name.


"May I ask what this is about?" the messenger asked as they walked.

"Yep. Gaius Ash. The tall skinny fellow. I assume you met him."

"Lord Ash will explain, I'm sure."

"Yes s--" She cut herself off and nodded. "We were on our way to meet him the first time I saw you."


"Very well." He dipped his head and fell back into a silence.

"I figured. How'd you like him?"

Bay reached the door and knocked, then stepped in. Gaius glanced up. "Thank you, Terran. Please wait outside." Bay dipped his head and exited.

"He seemed nice," Talia said. Odd, sure. And unsettling. But not unkind. "He is nice. He gave me these." She patted her clothes, swooshing her cloak subconsciously. She blushed, shrinking as she realized how stupid she was being. "...Sorry."


Borrond walked in first, followed by the messenger I continue to refuse to name. But the messenger spoke first. "Ah! Hello again, sir." He smiled brightly, though it was a little hesitant.

Emery smiled slightly. "Looks great though." He swished his own long robe. "Nice being able to pick your own clothes, right? I love the long stuff. Makes me feel like a king."

"I would like to make an addition to this gift you offered me," he said, making eye contact with the messenger. "If I may be so bold."

Talia smiled, blushing a little, and nodded. "It feels very secure..." She patted herself again subconsciously. "Very covered. It's nice."


He raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Amen to that." He gave a twirl.

"The young soldier, the one who stood up when the girls were told to come here. I noticed your offering was..." He paused, hating himself. "...Imbalanced. I'd like that remedied in part."

Talia giggled a little, deciding she liked Emery. He felt... safe. Well, as safe as men ever did.


"I'm... not sure I understand?" the messenger glanced at Borrond, furrowing his brow then back at Gaius.


Borrond barely kept his annoyance to himself. What had the fucking idiot done this time? If it wasn't one thing with that fucktard it was something else. Always.

He seemed more at ease as he smiled. "So. Where do you want to go first? There's lots to explore."

"The boy," he said coolly, right hand twitching spasmodically. This had better work; he was dragging himself through the dirt right down there with these men. "You brought me three girls and not a single stag."

"I have no idea," Talia said honestly. "I'm open to recommendations."


The messenger blinked, surprised, but quickly recovered. "Oh... I see. I... apologize for the oversight." That was surprising; he'd not heard anything hinting towards Ash being gay or even bi. But. Well. Who was he to judge? This was probably a good sign -- it meant he could be bought. He glanced over at Borrond with a question on his face.

Borrond considered it for a moment, then shrugged. "Fine by me." Gods knew his life would be easier without having to babysit the little idiot. Plus the boy would hate it, which was a thought he relished. Let someone else make his life as miserable as he'd made Borrond's these past few years.

"Then it's fine with me as well," the messenger said, inclining his head. "I apologize once again for the oversight, but I'm glad you found someone to your liking."

(so I'm trying to think of an excuse for Ky to walk by the hall for the Oh Shit moment with Borrond lol or do you have someone else in mind?)

"Well, there's the artifact gallery, the library, the orrery, the grove, the graveyard, the stable..." He thought for a moment. "Gods. Lots of things."

"Good. I appreciate your flexibility." He dipped his head. "That will be all, then."

(No one yet! Go for it!)

"Um... would... would it be okay if we stayed inside for a little?" Talia asked timidly. It was painfully cold outside... though perhaps it wouldn't be quite so bad with pants on, she wasn't sure.


"Yes sir." The messenger dipped his head and turned back towards the door.


(mrgh... why would she be on that floor tho?)

"Certainly. You lead the way, remember?"

Bay was waiting patiently outside.

(Maybe going to check in with Gaius and get the tea?)