The Melancholy of Wonderland

Intrigue and Ferocity

The next day, Anya was stuck mopping the floors of the dustiest hallway in the entire manor. Word had leaked that someone had been extremely rude to the young Master Raven, so naturally, everyone assumed it was Anya because she was new. Anya didn't think for a second that someone might have been eavesdropping when she yelled at Raven yesterday. So whether by fate or by punishment, Anya was stuck sneezing every ten seconds as she tried to clean up.

"Here, do you need this?"

"Oh, hello, Young Master." Anya took the handkerchief from him and blew her nose. "If I may make a request, then please don't sneak up on me. It's very alarming."

"Apologies. I wanted to talk to you after seeing you from afar."

"Oh? Well, Young Master, what did you want to talk about?"

"Nothing in particular," Raven said honestly. "You intrigue me. That is all."

"How?" Anya was starting to get a little ticked off.

"Not many people come up to Grimlocke Manor demanding a job," Raven told her. "Most people avoid this place. You must have been very brave𑁋or very desperate𑁋to speak the way you did. And then last night, you displayed some very interesting qualities about yourself."

"If you want something you have to reach out and grab it, don't you?" Anya said surly, dropping her stoic front. "I'm not going to be here very long and I don't intend on making friends."

"Of course," Raven said. "I do not wish to make friends with a mere maid. A noble like me? Psh."

"I said I wasn't going to make friends..." Before he knew it, Raven had the end of a mop pointed at his neck. The ferocity Anya had displayed the last day was now back in full swing. The violet in her eyes glinted eerily as she snarled, "But that doesn't mean you can disrespect me. Watch your words, Grimlocke."

Raven locked eyes with Anya and held up his hands in defeat. "I see. My apologies, Ms. Haroldsman." Anya shook her head.

"Too formal! Just call me Anya. You're different, Grimlocke. You've got some guts. Maybe socially indecent, but you're a pretty good guy, I guess. I suppose I can make an exception for you."

"Anya... Your name rolls nicely on the tongue," Raven acknowledged. "I see. I daresay I can also make an exception for you. By all means, call me Raven."

"We'll have to see about that."