Thread: Ties that Bind (crazypuddingcup and HalosandHorns)

Nuria picked up the look from Domon. Her tail gently wrapped around his ankle under the table and she offered him a smile of reassurance. She tried to read the atmosphere, figure out what was going on without having to ask. In some ways, it was just like any other meal but there was a tension in the room that was palpable. Her mother was cutting up her food in to tiny portions which she would chew quietly before taking a sip of her wine and dabbing her napkin against her lips the epitome of manners and what a lady should be. Her father, on the other hand, was making more of a show of it. His utensils squeaked across the plate as they tore through his food, focusing on the task like his life depended on it. He was using it as a distraction so he didn't have to look at the two teenagers, besides a few infuriated glances. Each bite was a full one and eaten with a vigor, like he was intentionally keeping his mouth full so he wouldn't have to engage in any conversation. Nuria also made a point to sigh loudly, before pushing her plate away. These two actions caught the attention of her parents. She leaned back in her seat, swirling her wine around in the glass casually before taking a few sips. It isn't that the food isn't wonderful, which it is... but it feels more like a pretense to something else. Can we just get to whatever it is you wanted to talk about? I heard you and Daddy talking when I came in and it was obvious I interrupted something important, so let's just go back to that. What is the thing you wanted to try out? Nuria was very different from her mother. She could be loud, boisterous, and often lacked the tact afforded to someone of her station. They weren't, by far, one of the richer families but they certainly weren't the poorest either. In a way, Nuria felt that she didn't belong to either and that wasn't a bad thing. She appreciated what she had and she treated others with the utmost respect. She just didn't like sugar coating things or dancing around issues. This was one of those time where her unique personality sparkled. Her parents exchanged glances. Her father only snorted and shoved another fork full of food in to his mouth. Her mother sighed softly, taking an especially long drink from her glass. Well, you're sixteen now and you're birthday is fast approaching. Girls half of your age have their own personal attendants to see to their every whim. While Domon here sort of filled that role when you were younger, as you both got older he took on a larger role for the entire household. She took another sip before continuing. This time her soft gaze fell on Domon she offered him a smile that could rival her daughter's any day. It was no secret that she was very fond of him, even at times treating him like her own son so finding the right words to say was going to be a difficult task. Domon, I don't want to downplay you as a person in any way. To both myself and Nuria, you've been a positive model. You've helped me without asking many times. You've always been there for her and no matter how much Enric over there protests, he also knows that you've added a lot to our family. We all know that humans are... a rare commodity... in this day and age. It feels wrong to me to call you a slave, and while I certainly hope that you don't feel that way, it feels even odder to me to call what used to be such a prevalent a, well, a pet. Enric finally sighed, following his daughter's example by pushing his now empty plate forward and heaving an agitated sigh. What she is trying to say is that she... we... want you to be Nuria's pet, personal servant, minion, or whatever you want to call it. In short, we're giving you to her. Some of the others are already preparing the adjoining guestroom to hers for your personal living quarters. You'll stay here in the house and do whatever she asks of you. This also means that he'll be your responsibility Nuria. Whatever his needs are, you'll see to them. Nuria couldn't help but giggle at this her tail tightening around Domon's calf. Her mind already treading the line of the gutter. Her father quickly picked up on this fact and growled softly. What I meant to say was, his needs like food, clothing, or whatever else you intend to have him take care of is going to come out of your allowance and savings. You want him to have new clothes, you buy them. You want him to go pick something up for you in another town, you see to his travel expenses. This place is going to be yours one day and if you can't manage one person, then I can't expect you to take care of household. It was a bit clearer now what was all involved in this and it was a bit overwhelming to the girl. Her lips pursed in thought as blue eyes glanced over to Domon, her new companion. She shared her mother's thoughts about him. She was never going to treat him like some lowly animal, but neither was she going to treat him like a slave for her. It was certainly a unique arrangement. So, umm... how do you feel about this? Her voice was tentative, curious.