"So what made you choose to work in Paliano?" Leovold asked me and I chewed my lower lip as I worked on my answer. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"It's okay. I choose Paliano because it was a big city and I knew I could find plenty of work here. Plus it was the futhest from my town." I explained and he nodded, watching with a slight frown when I grimaced. "Relax I'm fine, Leovold." I sighed seeing the frown.
"If you're sure. Now we are almost there so do you think you can make it there?" Leovold asked and I raised an eyebrow at him. "I was only asking, Serla." He muttered and I gave him a tiny smile as I leant against his shoulder a little more. With the emissary's help I hobbled to the cafeteria not letting him know that it was somewhere I had visited. Though not as much as I would have liked, instead having to grab what meals I could carry during my work.
Focused on my aching ankle I didn't even notice that we had arrived until Leovold cleared his throat and I lifted my head to see a smile on his face. That changed to a frown when I grimaced. "Serla, you should have told me that your ankle has been giving you pain." Leovold scolded though I saw a hint of a smile on his face as he lead me to the door.
Before I could ask how we were going to open the door the door slowly opened and I blinked as a familiar elf appeared in the now open doorway. "Emissary Leovold, I heard your voice." He told us and Leovold gave him a nod, the elf moving over still holding the door.
"Thank you, Azan. Your assistance is appreciated." Leovold told him and I nodded at the elf who gave a slight bow as Leovold guided me inside. Closing the door behind us Azan followed at our heels as we crossed the room moving to the nearest table. Without even hesitating Azan grabbed a chair, pulling it out for me.
"Thanks, Azan. Ankle's being a bit of a pain." I said as Leovold helped me into the chair. I let out a low breath and Azan nodded at me giving me a faint smile. "But I'm sure it'll be fine soon."
"I hope so too, Miss...?" Azan replied and after giving him my name he gave me another smile. "Miss Serla. If you don't need anything else I should get back to Miss Hanna." He added, heading back towards the door before I had time to realize just who I had been talking to.
"In case you're curious, Serla he's the one taking over your workload." Leovold explained as he sat in a chair nearest me. I started to open my mouth until he raised a palm. "Don't worry, Serla. It isn't just him but a few of my employees."
"That's a relief. I was a little worried for that poor elf." I replied and he nodded, looking towards the kitchen at the very back of the room. "So what are you going to have?"
After finishing my meal, a salad sandwich, I pushed my empty plate away and Leovold gave a faint smile nibbling on a piece of tomato the remains of his own salad sitting in a bowl. "How was your meal?" He asked me once he swallowed and I grinned at him.
"It was wonderful but are you absolutely sure that I'm not needed right now by Miss Hanna?" I asked him and he gave me a smile on response, wiping his mouth with a hankerchief before he climbed from his seat. If you sure."
"If you would like to help me I am sure I can think of something you can assist me with. Given time of course." Leovold replied and I nodded, feeling a little confused as he gently helped me from my seat. "Now would you like to go for a walk?"
"I would like that very much, Leovold." I answred as I climbed from my seat, wrapping an arm around his shoulders once my ankle started to ache. "Thank you for being there to help me. I appreciate it." I added and he smiled as he helped me limp towards the front of the kitchen. Passing through the door I limped down the corridor as Leovold guided me though after a few minutes I noticed that I had been this way before and as we approached a door I paused getting a raised eyebrow for my trouble.
"Leovold, this isn't the way to the gardens. I went there once so I do know this isn't the right path." I pointed out not expecting the faint smile on his lips as he slipped his hand into his pocket. Producing a key that the light reflected he gently unlocked the door and when he pushed it open Leovold helped me into the room.
"Of course you have not been here. This is my own bedroom." Leovold explained as he helped me into a comfortable looking armchair. Once he did he moved to the door and as I tried to raise myself from the chair he locked the door, pocketing the key as I finally stood on shaking legs. "You shouldn't be standing, Serla. You were told yo keep off your feet." Leovold told me as he made his way towards me.
"I can stand, Leovold." I protested and he sighed, wrapping an arm around my shoulders when I tried to limp towards the front door. "Now what are you doing?" I asked as he started to guide me towards the bed I'd caught a glimpse of when we first entered his bedroom.
"My bed will be better for you to rest your leg on." Leovold said and I rolled my eyes as he guided me towards a king sized bed set in the back of the room. When he ignored my protests I allowed him to set me down and to my surprise the bed was as comfortable as he said. When I found myself lying back amongst the cushions he gave me a faint smile noting the grin I gave him.
"There. That's much better right?" He asked and I couldn't help a sigh, my head now resting on one of several pillows. With my legs stretched out and my eyes travelling the ceiling I didn't notice Leovold sitting at my side until he lay beside me and I blinked when he leaned over, his face resting near mine.
"Now what are you doing?" I asked and he chuckled softly his lips brushing the tip of my nose and before I had a chance to react his lips found mine, his tongue slipping into my open mouth once I finally thought of something else to ask. Even though I was a little annoyed that he'd kissed me without asking I couldn't help a groan as I kissed him back, his tongue touching mine.
Once we broke apart breathing hard I snorted as he raised himself up by his elbows. "You could have at least asked, Leovold." I complained and he just smiled at me as I stared up at him. "What's so funny?"
"I am just surprised that you are still single." Leovold commented and I sat raising an eyebrow at him. "You are a beautiful human..." He began until I pressed my fingers to his lips and he froze as I grinned.
"I believe you already told me that, Leovold. What else do you like about me?" I replied, playing him at his own game. "Or is it just my looks?"
"Much more than just your looks, Serla. I was going to say that I've honestly never seen someone work so hard for so little pay. You deserve better and that's why I wanted you to work for me. I will pay you what you deserve and at least I appreciate the work you do." Leovold told me and for once I found myself speechless as he smiled at me.
"Now will you accept my offer to work for me and me alone?" He asked and I nodded still trying to put two words together. "Good to hear. I hope you will be as accompadateing to my next request." He added, his hands moving to my shoulders and I blinked as he gently pushed me back.
"What request would that be?" I finally asked and he gave me a tiny smile, leaning in before he nuzzled my neck. "Oh...never mind."