It was a quiet ride back to the manor. The path back to the mansion was lined with large trees. The grey moss that hung from them were swaying in the wind. The lamp posts were getting lit as they drove up to the gate. They pulled to the front of the house. Leora saw the massive mansion in full view now. It was gothic architecture. And in the court yard in front was manicured with flourishing red and white roses. In the center was a grand fountain. It displayed a dark statue of a veiled woman with what looked like wings. The gothic grey mansion had windows that were black as onyx. 'Curious' Leora thought to herself.
They circled around back to the sires quarters. Oliver got out of the car and opened the door for Leora. She stepped out to enter through the garden again. Oliver tossed the key to a stable hand passing by. "Return it." He commanded. The hand bowed . She passed through the iron and stone gate following the cobble stone path. She stopped midway. Her attention was drawn to all the plants. Fresh fruits and vegetables were lined on one side of the path while herbs lined the other. All fresh for cooking. "The Sullivan's entertain for all kinds of company." Oliver seemed to answer her thoughts. "That's why we have farms and gardens. For the guests as well as the human servants." He continued.
Leora nodded and continued down the path. He pressed his finger tips against the door opening it for her. "Wipe your feet, Lady Leo." He said before stepping inside.
The quarters were warm. It made Leora felt more at home. "I'll fetch a maid to start you a bath." He smiled. Oliver placed the shop bag and the box on the table then walked out the door by the fireplace. She took in the room she had stumbled into last night. It was different this time. She went to warm herself in front of the fire place again. Removing her cloak she placed it in a hook by the stairs. She heard the door click behind her.
Oliver returned with a servant girl. She wore a black dress with a white apron. Her brown hair was knotted in a tight bun tucked with a white bandana. She kept her eyes down and her shoulders tense. She looked no more than 15. "This is Lisa. One of Madame Estelles kitchen hands. She used to be a lady's maid. She'll help you with your things and your bath." Oliver stated. Leora smiled at the girl. Lisa looked up and when she caught her eyes, Leora read her intent. It wasn't hostile but it was fearful. 'Of Oliver?' She thought. Lisa grabbed the box and bag in hand to start up the stairs. "You can leave the box." Oliver's tone was colder than usual. The girl stopped in her tracks and stepped back to put the box back on the table. "Would you follow me please, miss?" Lisa asked her. Oliver wanted to bark and correct the kitchen hand but for the sake of being discreet. He refrained from drawing too much attention.
When she lead Leora out of sight he pulled a chair by the fire to sit and wait. It was turning darker out side. He thought Leora might like something hot to drink. He pulled the spoiled kettle from the fire and grabbed a new one.
To fetch fresh water he walked towards the well. On his way, he had clear view of the front of the house. The coach had been pulled the front. And the servants were bustling awaiting the masters to stir.
Most all of the windows of Sullivan manor were tinted black for a reason. It was why Leora could only see the glow of the fire place from the sires quarters. Oliver thought of how Leora would stay here avoiding all the Noble Pure Blood Vampir in the house. He was growing anxious and angry. He looked back towards the sires quarters and could see Leora in her window folding her things. He smiled at the sight. 'She is safe.' He thought to himself. He pulled a bucket of fresh water from the well.
Looking out he watched the last ray of sun dissolve over the Sullivans pastures.
Upstairs Leora entered her room and was hanging her new clothes. There was an apron with another shift laying out on the bed. She folded them placing them on a shelf in her closet. She hung up the sage green maids dress. It was simple. Yet she admired the color. It was calming and made her smile. Lisa was in the bathroom room drawing water. The steam had filled the hall. Lisa knocked on the frame outside of Leoras door. "Miss you'll need help unlacing your dress. The bath is ready and there's a fresh towel with a wash rag for you. When you're done I'll be downstairs. Just call me when you're ready and I'll braid your hair." Leora opened the door. She turned around for Lisa to unlace her dress. After loosing the back she left Leora to bathe.
Leora entered the bathroom and removed her shift and shoes. She was still a bit dirty from the storm last night so the bath was much needed. The water was nearly scolding. But she didn't complain. She preferred the heat over the cold. It felt like home though she couldn't remember it. In the water Leora's amulet glowed creating more heat. It was another reminder of her faded memory yet she didn't want to worry any further. She tried her best to adjust for survival. For a moment she closed her eyes and felt at peace.
Down stairs Oliver had returned to put on a fresh kettle to boil. He sat on the chair in front of the fireplace waiting. Hearing steps. He turned to see Lisa coming from the stairs. He gave a irritated glare. "You May go Lisa." Oliver said flatly. The girl paused to almost say something. "Now." Oliver barked with out even looking at her. Lisa frowned and left out the door she came. He return to the fire. Looking into it growing angrier. He sat intertwining his fingers waiting on the boiling water.
Leora had finished her bath. She dried herself to put on a clean shift. She noticed a black robe lined with white lace hanging in her closet. It looked almost like a dress but it was a robe. She wrapped it across her body securing it with a bow then slipped on her black maids shoes. "Lisa!" Leora called down the stairs. After waiting a few minutes she was too shy to repeat herself. She decided to go down the stairs and find the kitchen hand. As she made her way down she found only Oliver. He was staring blankly into the fire.
She felt his aura. It was familiar. Like the one last night that was watching her. Walking over to him. She placed her hand on his shoulder. It startled him. "Ollie, you're angry." She said softly. Oliver couldn't believe what he was hearing. He turned away looking almost ashamed. After a split second of silence "It's almost time for dinner. Madam Estelle has made bone broth stew. And there's corn-milled bread as well." He said avoiding her concern. He got up to remove the kettle from the fire and placed it on a iron trivet in the center of the table.
"I'll let that cool so you can have tea before bed tonight." Oliver turned towards Leora still concerned. "Don't worry yourself." He said slightly annoyed. Leora let down her head. Holding back a sigh. "Sit here." He said pointing at the rug. It was the same one she fell asleep on last night. Leora sat down facing the fireplace. She tilted her head towards the window. It was nightfall. She pulled her knees to her chest. Oliver interrupted her thoughts by parting her hair. "May I, M'lady" he asked calmly. Leora gave an approving nod. He braided from front to back. He was gentle with his work. The finishing touch was tying the black ribbon. "How Lovely!" He cooed admiring his handy work.
He sat up to grab two teacups and collect the right measurement of tea for later tonight. In the midst he grabbed a a chefs knife and sat back down behind Leora.
He twisted the top of the blade on the arm of the wooden chair while staring at her neck. It was now exposed since he braided it. He sat back thinking for awhile. Leora could feel his intent grow darker. But she refused to show fear. She chose to ignore it.
Oliver took the knife in silence. As quick as a wink he nicked the back of her neck causing a jolt of pain. Leora quickly placed her palm over the cut. Her blood trickled down. It was black. Oliver then made a slit in his own wrist. The smell made Leora's fangs jut. She jumped up quickly into a dark corner near the fire place. She was looking at him afraid and confused. Her emotions stirred into rage. The whites of her eyes went black with her golden eyes that glowed hollow. She gave him a hateful gaze.
Oliver sat back calmly in his chair. His intentions were neutral now. 'There you are' he thought. "Though she be but little, she is fierce." He said with a smile. Leora's fangs retracted and her brow furrowed. She was confused. He stood to find a clean cloth to press against her wound.
"Forgive my curiosity Little Leo." He said. "I am a selfish man." But she didn't feel the remorse for what he had done. Leora fought the surge of bloodlust that radiated through her body. She didn't like feeling out of control. 'Maybe it's a warning or a lesson.' She thought to herself. Having no idea what just happened. She pressed the cloth against her neck. "It will be healed in a moment." He assured her while wrapping his wrist. "Mine on the other hand will take weeks without my sires blood." He looked at her. She had returned to her human-like appearance.
"Come, let's go meet the others in the dining hall." He held out his hand. She eased her palm into his. Her promise mark was still visible and unbroken. Leora thought for sure her mark would go away after what he did but it didn't. Pulling her along he started for the door by the fire place.