Thread: Defined By Birth (Silentworld & Faetal Attraction)

Aiko noted that her foul words seemed not to shock, but amuse Rowan. 'At least I won't have to put on a filter when speaking to him.' She thought to herself, glad at the prospect that he may not be as strict as Yvonne. His words and skeptical tone make Aiko roll her eyes again and sigh with annoyance. She was not looking forward to more teasing from him, but other than teasing back, there was little that Aiko could do without getting into trouble. Aiko couldn't help but let out a small laugh, almost a giggle, as Rowan asked why they would have to leave. He would have much to learn coming from working in the mines, undoubtedly this was the first mansion, maybe even house, he had ever been in. Though she didn't know much of the plight the humans in hard labor faced, she knew that they were not accustomed to such grandeur as Aiko had been provided her whole life. She thought it would be interesting to observe his acclimation and was looking forward to learning more about Rowan and where he came from, if only out of morbid curiosity. As Rowan assured Yvonne that Aiko would behave, Aiko shot him a warning glance, her eyes flashing with annoyance. It was not his job to make sure she acted appropriately and she was sure that he knew that. Yvonne nodded at Rowan's request. Oh, of course not. There are still a few things I will need to show you, but, we have time for that later. She had a large smile and curtsied to both Rowan and Aiko before she flew up the stairs. Aiko was not amused when Rowan called her princess, and it was clear in her expression. Her ears twitched again in annoyance and she bit her lip to keep from letting out a growl of disapproval. Miss Aiko will suffice. She said flatly before turning away from him and dragging Rowan up the stairs. Every so often, as they walked, Aiko would glance back at Rowan and admire the wonder on his face. He really hadn't been in a place like this before, the resplendence of such a place seemed to capture his attention, much like a magpie might act if it flew into a jewelry store. It made expression soften into a smile, but a small one for herself. She said nothing as his rough fingers explored the extravagant wallpaper, just as she had when first been brought to the house as well. Her first visit to this manor had been when she had turned six, but she had begun living here part-time when she turned twelve. Aiko had spent most of her time on the private island, in a significantly smaller and cozier dwelling. Her parents and Yvonne feared that the main house would be too big for a young anthro to grow up in, so they had acquired the island soon after Aiko's mother had learned she was pregnant. Even still, Aiko preferred to stay on the island and rarely came back to the manor, unless her parents insisted. It was quieter, private, and felt like a real home, unlike this place which felt more like a museum or castle to her. Aiko shook her head and another small laugh escaped her lips before she responded. You cannot be expected to keep watch over me or attended to my needs if you are out in the gardens in a shed. The thought seemed ridiculous to her, of course, he would have to sleep close by. But if it is not to your liking, I'm sure that we can have the maintenance staff make any changes you want. She shrugged off his comment about the tablet and decided not to respond. Yvonne would cover all of that later, and she was eager to get to her special spot. Those books are some of my favorites, mostly fantasy novels and fiction. I enjoy escaping to other places when I read. Aiko said as she observed Rowan pull a book from the shelf. Aiko slipped off her shoes and sat herself down on the bench, curling her legs under her skirt and nestling into a pile of pillows and blankets. Ah, so you did have access to some literature where you were before, Aiko said thoughtfully and brushed some hair behind her ear. While you are in my employ, you can take full advantage of the library. We have an extensive collection of fairy tales and fables, along with books on almost any subject you may want to learn about. Her expression was now soft and friendly, now knowing that they had at least one thing in common, a love of reading and learning. Aiko looked up at Rowan and raised an eyebrow at his question, she wasn't expecting him to pick up of the fact that she didn't like to call this place home, let alone show genuine interest in learning more about her. She patted the empty space next to her, signaling him to sit before she answered. My parents have a small private island not far from here, its called Golden Isle, I spent most of my childhood there, and was there before I was summoned here to meet you. She let out a sigh and closed her eyes, picturing the small house that she had spent much of her time. It's a very sunny and warm place with a beach and some wonderful foliage as well. There is a small house, almost a cottage really. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a simple kitchen, a small room for my studies, and a living room as well. As Aiko spoke, her smile grew and her body relaxed. The tone of her voice was soft, almost a whisper as she reminisced upon her home with fondness and warmth. She took in a deep breath and opened her eyes, looking toward Rowan, the smile still on her lips. Once things are settled here, I plan on going back. Of course, you will be coming with me. She watched his expression carefully, wondering if this idea appealed to him or not. It was true that the relationship between Aiko and her parents was strained. They did not make time for their only child and liked to be immersed in their work, socializing with other high ranking nobles and rubbing elbows with the elite. The only time they did spend with their daughter was at events where she would be paraded around and put on a pedestal for her patents to gloat about. Aiko hated those parties, they were loud and had too many people for her liking. Her only friend and company had been Yvonne for all those years and now that Yvonne was being assigned to another job, Rowan would have to fill that role.