Nevermore, Raven

Silent Butler

  - Good to finally see you here. Come on, show yourself off. - Said aunt Philin approaching me. - Well, well, well, I haven't seen you in ages, you're so beautiful. That's a miracle that you even remember me.

  The woman laughed and hugged me tight, making me bend down a little. It was a shame to admit that I memorized her only about fifteen minutes ago, but I decided to stay quiet.
  My face went red again and heated up even more when I realized that two of the boys were still standing there, watching me in silence. Blonde-haired with a wide, polite smile, the second one - with blank expression, still holding a broom.
  Aunt finally let me go, glancing at me one more time. Noticing my blush and uneven smile she turned back to glance at the pair in the back.

  - Ah yes, Nadia, please meet my house help - Octavian and Vren. - She explained.

- Hi... - I greeted them awkwardly, as Vren came up and grasped my hand.

- Hello Nadia, I hope we will be good friends. Ma'am Philin told us so much about you! - His optimistic aura made me calm down. I smiled a little.

- Really? That's nice...

- I couldn't wait to meet you finally, I-...

Loud "ekhm" from behind made him cut up. We all turned our eyes on Octavian, firmly knocking the broom against the wooden porch with impatience.

- Mercy me, madam, but I think you should tell us about incoming guests, shouldn't you? - He spoke finally.

- Ah, nonsense dear Octavian, you may take care of me, but you don't have to know everything. - Aunt replied with a gentle smile. - Little surprises are the best. Now, Vren, may you lead Nadia to the guest room. You know, the special one...

Blonde took my bag and we all followed the woman to her mansion. When I walked next to the black butler, I could clearly see his frustration. Looked like he didn't like the fact I was staying here.

After an hour, I already got a quick tour through the house. Vren showed me everything he could - even his own room.

- You can sneak up to me in the evening so we can play something together when I'm after work. I'm good at playing card games. - He said with a smile. He was so pure and optimistic...

Unlike his brother, Octavian. I managed to pass him once or twice during wandering with Vren. He always frowned at me in silence, while sweeping the floor or carrying something around.

- Is he always like that? - I asked Vren as we both were sitting by the kitchen table, eating aunt's homemade blueberry pie.

- He's just moody, don't worry about him. I bet that you'll both get together after a nice talk. - Answeared the boy.

- I think, you kids, should go for a walk together. - Added aunt Philin.

- I'm good, thank you. - Octavian murmured while doing the dishes next to us. - I think it's just waste of time. And I still have to sweep the porch again... damned crows...

- I find crows pretty. - I said quietly. - Why don't you like them?

- Personal reasons. - He replied. - Also they leave so many feathers and other trash in the garden. It's annoying.

- Perfectionist, I see...

- Not at all, miss.

- Nadia is right, you spent too much time on your work, even if not needed. You both have free afternoon then. Now go change your clothes and I'm not seeing you around until evening. - Smiled aunt.

  Vren couldn't thank her enough. Full of energy and happiness, he run up to his room and started preparing for our walk.

- That's not a necessity. - Octavian said, not very joyful about his free time.

- Oh it is. Now go join your brother and dress properly, you wouldn't like to make Nadia wait, would you?

The boy glanced at me. I could swear I've seen a very gentle, almost not able to notice smile appear on his lips.

- Of course I wouldn't.