Whether it was intentional or ingenious scheme, the noble wasn't given a chance to escape or even plot one. Recklessly moving about the castle was a risky proposition. In her single day as a servant, she triggered at least a dozen traps.
Tiffaney Oaken Staff vowed to keep track from now on.
New trainees had a busy schedule, constantly and consistently shuffling around to each department for introductions and awareness.
"The must be on to me; they haven't let me be alone when I'm not in the room otherwise."
With nothing else to go on this was the only reason the girl could think of. She was a small noble nobody. Could she simply be paranoid? Try as she might nothing other than bad things awaited her and this surveillance to ensure that she received those awful nightmares. If she was on guard, it would be more difficult for them to surprise her, that way she would have a chance to escape from going back home…
Two days and no one came to shatter the poor tense noble. In fact, it was the opposite, the more withdrawn she was the less any of the other staff wanted her to be alone. Large groups would form behind the newest servant of the Dyne, just around the corner. This of course terrified the noble, as the footsteps would reverberate and make her think a death squad was after her.
Her escorts taunted her, pointing out every trap and ensuring that she triggered none. Warped in thinking that these people were her enemy, most of them found her to be adorable.
"I won't be defeated easily." These were her thoughts as she carefully placed a box of toys away. Her main responsibility had been to manage the kids. Her current task was to read a book to them which she did her best to stutter through, before she was to supervises block building. Her newest block tower had earned the admiration of the youngest class of four students, much to the pride of Trix and Mat. After which she attempted to find other things to do as she searched for an escape.
"Cleaning the windows if left for the older students, get off the ladder right now!" Scared that the small child would fall, one the maids hoisted her down before handing her a small broom. A vest that was a shade of orange carrot was placed on her and small cones had been put up in the areas the noble worked.
"Looks like they want to finish the job themselves rather than letting the castle do it."
When it was her turn in the kitchens the noble considered herself to dirty to handle the food, so begun washing dishes. She managed to clean a glass, two plates and a single fork before she was hauled from the kitchen without remorse. In the time it had taken her to go to the sinks and start, a sign had appeared by the kitchen that read, 'You must be this tall to work in the kitchen.' The noble had not seen the sign when she entered, but the arrow was several inches above her head, and she could only dejectedly leave.
"Perhaps they were worried I would use the confusion of the dinner rush to escape."
"Who let this child here? We said only those who can reach the ropes can help with laundry."
"There's no opening for someone who makes the beds perfect-I mean try another place. Why did you stomp on my foot?"
"Trap maintenance requires a level ten badge, sorry."
"Maid Jac would kill me if I let you work with the refuse heap."
"We don't need new people anymore."
Three days had melted away and there was no change. Every time the noble tried to work; she was swept away. In fact, all she managed to accomplish this week was a block tower and a drawing of sparrow.
They hung the picture as a form of humiliation next to a wax image of a stick figured human.
"What's wrong?" At ten years of age, Lady Oaken staff had joined the youngest class. The oldest in this bracket was six, and he was just as tall as her.
"They won't let me plot…work anywhere." Sulking, the noble rested her head on the desk. There wasn't a ton of time for her daring attempts to foil her aggressors.
"But your drawings were so good."
"Your letters are so pretty."
Children in this class of seven clamored to encourage the newcomer. The class occupied two tables, and her position as half student half caretaker made her popular.
"Even Miss Rose complemented you. She never does that."
Noble lass wanted to complain, she was working well below where she had been in the noble house.
"Well, I am older, this much is nothing."
In her heart she was secretly thrilled.
In a way, the nobles last days at castle Dyne had been peaceful, despite her belief that she was doomed. She hadn't triggered any of the numerous death traps, as well as not once had she been struck by an adult. If she got a light plate of food, lady Jac wouldn't stuff her mercilessly.
Normal food, how good did it taste? Amazing, it had been three days since the noble ate anything that had mold or rot, they even removed the onions without complaining! Color was returning and most of her scratches were healing well. There were no bugs or new bites forming, and her face lost a bit of its gauntness. If her work was limited to taking care of children, and there wasn't the constant fear of decapitation, the noble considered staying.
"Maid Tiffaney, please come here." Instructor rose was off to the side by her large teacher's desk, it was free art time, and most students happily painted, drew, and glued. Standing nervously, noble lady wondered if it was now time for her descent.
"What do you think about becoming a full-time instructor here instead of a maid?" This hadn't been the question she expected so the noble was notably gob smacked. Rose had determined that this girl was more than competent, at best needing two leadership/management courses to round her out. She was overqualified for any other positions in front castle due to her formal noble education.
"Me? I don't have any experience teaching others." It had been her and another two illegitimate children from lesser noble families in her own lessons, none of which include passing knowledge on.
"There's also the option to work outside in one of the smaller factories and towns." Rose still looked sharp with her glasses, something that the noble child didn't know existed before. Magnification spheres were common but the idea of placing it on one's face had never been seen.
"Wait I can escape? I mean I can leave the castle to work somewhere else?" Failing to conceal her excitement, Rose thought nothing of it, a lot of servants wanted to not stay here and most left as they approached adulthood to see more of the world than the stone walls.
"That's not my decision, I asked Lady Aroura and her response just arrived. I wanted to ask what you wanted." Holding a small note with a fancy wax seal on the bottom the instructor read it aloud.
"Memo for Instructor Rose,
Tiffaney Oaken Staff is to stay in her current position and duties, she will remain until disposition by Lady Dyne.
Sir Octave Bandersnatch"