lคץ ๓є l๏ฬ

[assassinrue]

Cassius quickly gathered the plates and took them to the kitchen, then returned to his usual post in the main hall.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

As soon as he'd left, Averyl closed the book and let out a slow breath. This was ridiculous. She couldn't avoid him forever. She needed to get past this... but she felt so abashed just thinking about it that she didn't think she could.

[assassinrue]

These were the worst moments if his job, standing forever, waiting, sometimes he missed life on a farm, always plenty of work.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

(Hum haw. Something else to push them back together)

[assassinrue]

(such as?)

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

(That cook person could be really devious and try to get them together, lol.)

[assassinrue]

(lmao he seems the type)
Kalleb sent several people home the moment they arrived and then walked deep into the manor to find the lady, he knocked on her quarter door and smiled mischievously then let his face go neutral.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Averyl took a moment to answer the door, but when she did her face was a picture of calm regality. "Kalleb," she greeted him. "What is it?"

[assassinrue]

"I'm afraid your handmaid has called off ma'am. I do know someone who can replace her though ma'am. If you'd like that is."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"That would be lovely," she said. "Thank you. You can send her up right away."

[assassinrue]

Kalleb nodded then turned to leave. He paused a moment in the doorway. "Ma'am, it's a he." He said then left, not giving her time to respond.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

She frowned but just shrugged and went to the window. The snowy landscape, forever the same white glittering scope, was bright that day, with the sun shining strongly down on the land. She liked these days.

[assassinrue]

Cassius was furious with Kalleb, he could NOT believe that meddling fool had really sent ALL of the handmaidens home. He knocked on the Lady's door and forced his face into passivity.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"Enter," Averyl called. She brushed her long hair back from her shoulders and turned toward the door to see who Kalleb had sent.

[assassinrue]

Cassius entered the room silently. He was prepared for her questions, why no one could seem to find another female in the castle, why he was the one who Kalleb had sent.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Averyl stared at him for at least five seconds before she recovered. "Cassius," she said calmly. "I take it you're the one who's going to be my... Handmaiden?" She smiled faintly at that.

[assassinrue]

"Yes ma'am, it seems as if all the ladies of the manor have... disappeared." He drawled.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"That's a rather... Odd occurrence. I hope there's not a monster loose in the halls taking maidens."

[assassinrue]

Cassius couldn't resist snorting. "I would hope not."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"Well, if there was, I'd surely be safe with you to guard me," Averyl said, giving him a teasing smile.