Bed and Silken Chains | Hiatus

Elf

--- Beginning Part Two ---

Golden sunlight shines through the curtains, sending the dark room into a vibrance of golden colours. The walls are lined with life and energy, light dancing across them gently.

A single ray of light shines down and upon the young man which sleeps right next to a young woman. The young man groans light as he sits up from his bed, blanket falling off his barren chest. He turns his head to see the sleeping girl, embarrassment fueling his face. He places a large palm against his face, feeling the warmth soak into his cold, calloused hands.

"Damn."

Diluc swings his legs out of bed and quickly dresses but leaves his coat off. He turns to look back at the girl who is still sleeping peacefully. It would make sense, she probably hasn't slept in bed in a long time.

Quietly, he walks over to her and sits beside her, the bed sinking underneath his weight. Diluc puts a gentle hand on her arm, rubbing it up and down with his ungloved hands. Through the dirt and grime on her body, he can feel broken and tattered skin. A frown presses against his lips as he brings his hand up to caress her face with the back of his hand.

"So pretty. I wonder what happened to a beautiful butterfly like you."

The young woman lets out a groan from being disturbed by the touch. Diluc quickly retracts his hand, coming back to his senses.

"Apologies, but it's time to get up, (Y/n)," Diluc says softly.

The woman lets out another croak before having her eyes crack open. Upon seeing Diluc there, she yelps a bit and tries to back away.

"Hey hey hey! Shh... it's okay! It's just me," Diluc says quickly in a soothing, hushed tone.

The girl's darkened eyes analyze the person in front of her before they begin to fill with light once again.

"O-Oh... Mister Diluc... I'm... I'm sorry."

"No no, it's okay. It was my fault for waking you up. But now that you are awake, I think it's time for you to take a bath."

"A... bath...? But... I don't like how cold the river is..."

Diluc lets out a warm chuckle, causing the girl tilt her head in confusion.

"Why are you laughing?"

Diluc smiles and shakes his head.

"I'm not going to make you bathe in the river, silly. I have a tub here. I'll go have the maids fill it with nice, warm water, okay?"

Her eyes widen in shock.

"R-Really?"

The nobleman nods his head.

"I'll go get them now. Sit here, okay?"

(Y/n) nods her loopy head, feeling dizzy after the movement. Diluc smiles before leaving the room and her alone.

Something causes Diluc's mind to work against him.

What if she steals something?

What if this is all just a ploy?

What if she's working for someone?

What if she's working for the Treasure Horders?

What if she's working for the Fatui?

Diluc shakes his head quickly. No, those things are true. He saw her injured body, how filthy she is. He even dissected her foot to take out glass. What monsters would allow or force her to walk with embedded in her feet? Bastards, that's what.

But a single thought comes back to his mind.

What if she steals something?

Diluc bites his lip before continuing down the stairs and heading towards one of his maids, Adelinde. She turns and quickly bows to Diluc.

"Good morning, Master Diluc. Is there anything you need of me?"

"Yes. Please prepare a warm bath. I'll be back in a moment. Please get it ready in my room."

Adelinde nods her head.

"Of course, Master Diluc."

Adelinde then turns and heads up the stairs and towards Diluc's room. When she opens the door, she's met by the young (Y/n), staring confused at the pretty woman. Adelinde stares back in shock before marching towards the young woman.

"What are you doing in this manour?!" Adelinde demands. "A thief?! Here to steal all the valuable things of this house?!"

"Huh?" (Y/n) asks confused.

"Well?! What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Are... you here to prepare my bath?"

"Your bath?! As if I-"

"Mister Diluc said he would ask a maid to take care of nice warm bath for me. Are you her? You're very pretty."

Adelinde stops. Her eyes scan over the young woman's filthy body. Her eyes travel to see the bandages around her feet which lead her eyes to the tray of medical supplies on the night stand. A hot flush fills her face.

"O-Oh... I-I see... I apologize... And... thank you for the compliment. I-I'll prepare your bath right away."