tending the garden
Lia <3
Sure enough, Idalia was quick to answer his call. She scurried over on harried paws, gaze lowered respectfully. There was a deep rooted part of him that was pleased by her subservience, the girl's awareness of her place in the world. However, he had seen the harrowing life she led as a slave among these men. They abused her wantonly, and readily hunted her through the hold of the ship while they travelled in search of entertainment. No one deserved to suffer that much, least of all a servant. Their place was supportive, with days spent tending to chores and caring for their masters. Torn and bloodied, they would be useless in this role. "How can I be of service, Sir?" she asked in a soft voice that signalled her desperate need for a drink. He sighed softly, knowing full well he couldn't work her while she was in a sorry state. If she collapsed or messed something up it would be taken out on his hide first. "Come with me." he instructed coolly, rising to his paws again and leading her towards the dark corner of the cavern where he could hear the faintest trickle of water. Facing away from the sunlight that had been streaming into the cavern, he found himself tilting his muzzle ever so slightly so his good eye could find the slight ripple of movement that would mark out the spring. Once they were close enough, he dropped back onto his haunches. "Take a good drink, you'll be working hard this afternoon." he instructed evenly. There was no malice in his tone, but neither did he honey the words that escaped his inky maw. While she drank, he would continue. "The lamps need to be arranged around the main antechamber, and in the cave where the masters will be sleeping at night. The work must be done quickly, so that everyone can find their way around by the time the sun sets. You'll need to be able to set and fill the lamps, which I will carry. Does that sound like something you can do?" he questioned with a quirk of his brow, gazing down at her slightly smaller form. The brilliant ember hues of her pelt made it easier to locate the edges of her form in the shadows, which would make it all the better while they navigated dark corners setting lamps. He didn't want to be hindered by his handicap while they worked. STEP IN LINE, EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE |