Hollow Truth

Zephyr's Fear

Zephyr limped down the hall to the room he currently occupied, hand pressed against his side. He had been a resident of the mansion for a week already, but his wound showed no signs of healing. The only thing that had improved was his cold. At least Ren wasn't afraid of him anymore. Zephyr found him to be good company, and he hoped Ren felt the same way. It was hard to read the noble, though. He had some amazing masks he donned when talking to others.

"I don't care what Lord Maxton says! Tell him he can threaten me to his heart's content, but I'm not changing my mind about this." Ren's voice carried through the hall, and Zephyr couldn't help but cringe at the tone. He sounded furious. The poor servant who was being yelled at...

Ren whipped around the corner, his long legs carrying him swiftly down the hall. His gold eyes seemed hungry for blood, and shadows gathered at his feet. Judging by his demeanor, it was easy to think he was inadvertently using his Talent.

"And what are you doing out of bed?" Zephyr jumped at Ren's voice, not expecting to be addressed.

"Oh, just taking a walk. It's boring just sitting there all day."

"Why don't you read then?" Ren asked this as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. Zephyr felt his face grow hot, and he looked toward the tile below his bare feet. For a moment the swirling patterns captured his attention, and he attempted to figure out a way out of this conversation. Clearly it wasn't going to end well.

"I can't read." He said, drumming his fingers on his arm. He could feel Ren's gaze on him, and his face grew even hotter. He couldn't help but ask himself why he felt so belittled by Ren. Maybe it was just because his memory was lacking.

"Well that's a problem, isn't it? Here." Ren pulled Zephyr's arms around his shoulder, and Zephyr couldn't help but wince. His side already ached, and to stretch it like he was hurt it immensely. Allowing himself to be towed into the guest room he currently resided in, Zephyr sighed. He felt so dependent on Ren. As far as Zephyr could tell, Ren didn't seem to care. But Zephyr still had his pride.

"Why don't you come along to some of my appointments? They're quite entertaining. Some woman is coming over tomorrow to be courted, apparently. Those pesky servants just don't know when to give up. I'm sure if you're there it will be much more bearable." Ren released Zephyr when they were in a foot of the bed. Hobbling over, Zephyr managed to climb in, considering Ren's offer. It did sound much more amusing than sitting in bed all day doing nothing. Then again, it sounded like this was important, and he couldn't see Ms. Gwen condoning it.

"It sounds pleasant, but I don't know if..." Zephyr trailed off, watching Ren play with the hat that had previously been on his head. It was an odd one he chose today, a dark purple satin that had a large, white feather poking out of the teal ribbon. It wasn't unattractive... Just different.

"If you'll get scolded by the stubborn Ms. Gwen, right? If you do, you can tell her I forced you. Because you have no choice in the matter." Ren skillfully twirled the hat around his finger before putting it back on his head. Zephyr caught a glimpse of the white gauze poking out from beneath his black and gold locks. It made him wonder how Ren was able to wear such an accessory on his head. It clearly came down over his wound. It also wasn't possible he was already healed unless his Talent allowed him to do such a thing. But that didn't seem likely.

"I see... And exactly what am I going to be doing while you two chat?"

"Chatting with us, obviously. I'm sure you'll have something interesting to say."