Bloodkin elf? He'd never heard of that subspecies before. Rare indeed he thought. "Right, let's get you cleaned up then," Magnius said, standing back up and offering her his hand.
Magnius waited for the girl but she was hesitant. Scared to accept his hand. He opted to be patient with his new house guest. There was no immediate rush after all but when she finally took his hand he could see a visible twinge of fear in her expression.
To be expected he thought. "Something the matter?" He asked considering maybe the beating had injured her leg and standing was now painful?
He dismissed the idea. She'd gotten herself off the couch and had been sitting on her legs. Even folded the blanket. She could have been suppressing the pain maybe? She'd done well at that so far. He could tell she was trained not to show pain.
Silf looked away. To the window nearby. The room was dimly lit. Enough that she could see where everything was but it was all covered in a slight haze to her.
She shook her head no but spoke a question that countered her actions. "May I ask what you're going to do with me?"
He frowned, crossing his arms and closed his eyes. Of course, she'd be apprehensive. Waking up in a new place, greeted by someone she'd never met before. Considering the situation from her point of view he'd probably be nervous too.
To be so weak and defenseless would only make it worse.
He'd never been forced to navigate this difficult terrain. Reassuring the scared, the weak. That was a job he'd always left to others. To those trained for it. He knew he needed to be blunt to help calm her anxiety and reassure her of his intentions.
Though subtly wasn't something he was well known for in conversation. He thought perhaps actions would speak louder than words. Though he doubted that alone would be enough. But when he spoke though, blunt was all he was.
"First, you stink and you're filthy." He began. "I won't have you here looking like a bloody street rat. So you're getting a bath." He said candidly pointing to her feet. They were filthy. Everything about her was filthy.
"Then I'll have a proper meal prepared for you." She was skinny. Far too skinny to be of any healthy weight. He could practically see her bones through the muscle of her arms. "You don't look like you've eaten more than bread and cheese in years."
Leaning down he pulled at the rags she wore for a moment. Rubbing his fingers together he could feel the years of accumulated filth clinging to his skin. He could even see it. That wasn't acceptable.
Even criminal's got cleaner clothes to wear than this. "Guess I'll need to find you something new to wear as well." He considered burning the rags later.
"Ye-yes sir," Silf replied timidly, taking his hand, newly offered once more.
As she stood up he noticed a slight limp to her right leg. He could now see a large bruise on her calf. It was a deep red and turning black. She didn't wince or show any sign of pain or discomfort as she took her first step, despite having to brace herself against the wall.
He stood by for a moment to observe. Curious to see how she'd deal with this hindrance. He didn't know if she would consider this an act of cold uncaring, or total indifference.
Her second attempt at a step forward made it clear she could walk, but he decided against allowing it. Walking would only worsen the bruise further. She was small enough to be carried easily.
"Enough," He said, resting one arm against her back as he scooped her legs from under her with the other. Silf yelped, pulling her arms into her chest. He ignored her moment of fear.
"Clearly you can't walk properly." He continued. "It'll be easier if I carry you for now." Silf didn't respond. Not verbally. Instead, she simply nodded in agreement.
As Magnius carried her through the house Silf tried to take in her new surroundings despite her hazy vision.
The walls were covered in containers holding strange objects. The shapes and colors she couldn't make out. The faint smell of smoke filled the air. Tobacco. A mixture of herbs were mixed in. Under it was the distinct smell of alcohol.
Turning more towards the man carrying her she could tell both came from him. Her sense's had dulled with years of abuse but these were familiar smells.
A slim red-headed human woman greeted them as they passed the kitchen. Jarring her slightly. "Morning ma'lord." She beamed cheerfully kneading dough on the countertop. "Anything special?" She asked, clapping her hands against her hips sending a cloud of flour flying up around her.
"Morning Aryzath, Actually yes. I need something appropriate for an elf please." The woman smiled looking at Silf. "Ayi, so greens and fruits I suppose then?" Magnius nodded. "Keep it simple. Let's not overwhelm her." He finished. "Very well."
Pressing on, Magnius paused by a closet. Setting Silf to brace herself against a wall as he retrieved a towel and to measure a white robe against her frame. It wasn't meant to act as a full covering.
These were ceremonial robes. Those he wore when called by the council. All his ordinary clothes would be too large though. She'd be tripping over herself so this would have to do.
He could fashion a makeshift dress with a belt and maybe a little magic. It wouldn't be a long-term solution but it would do for now. He couldn't let her continue walking around dressed in the rags she had on now.
As he worked Magnius took note of Silf's mannerisms. She kept her arms crossed behind her back or against the wall for support. Her eyes at her feet. She didn't speak.
Though her reacting to having the robes measured against her was ... shock perhaps? This was probably the most confusing thing to ever happen to her, he thought.
"May I ask a question, sir?" Magnius slung the robes and towel over his shoulder reaching out and forcing her to chin up. For an instant, he could have sworn her eyes shifted color. He dismissed the thought as nonsense.
"Within these walls, you are free to speak freely, ask whatever questions you have, and speak your mind." He said sternly, releasing her chin. "The only reason you are here now is to have that collar removed. Beyond that do not consider yourself a servant, prostitute, or slave."
There was a long pause. He had expected some sort of reaction. Shock, joy, something. Hell, even tears would have been an appropriate response, but she was unmoved. Maybe she didn't understand?
Was her will so broken that the very concept of freedom simply didn't exist to her? What sort of hellish life had befallen this poor creature he wondered. He took a deep breath. Patience.
"Sir, if you're not my new master then where are they?" She asked softly. Her eyes locked onto her legs.
Rehabilitating her was going to take time. "He left you in my care." He answered, handing her the items he'd selected before scooping her back into his arms. "He brought you to me last night after purchasing you off your previous owner, who I'm fairly certain intended to kill you. We thought it best to let you sleep rather than move you again." He continued pressing forward into the house.
Magnius stepped into the bathroom. Setting Silf gently on the counter. She braced herself against the wall. "I'm sure he'll be here to check on you sometime today." Magnius said, starting the bathwater.