Clu was still turning it over in the queue, working out the nature of answer honestly and what the proper shape of that command would be for a pleasure slave. How much truth might the lord of the manor actually want from his new toy?
And yet--he also took pains to assure Clu he was safe against harsh treatment, unless he earned it, and that strangers would not be handling him at random--not unless Clu did something to cause it. So. He loosened his spine, relaxed just a shade into the praise.
...He'd start with the things he could quantify.
"I'm a born slave," meaning no outside trouble and no other life to cling to, "and Master's house is my fourth place of service."
It was glitching hard to think, with the feather. Was it a feather? Was it fur? Something with soft barest touch dancing over him like that, stirring a restless hot contrail of want.
"Ah," he just managed not to squirm. "I, was, first sold when I presented." He bit his lip. "How do I put this--Master Lucillus' taste in first heats is deserved legend, but that was all he required of me." Not bitter, no: a touch wistful, with careful hunger for the soft stroke of--what was that, silk? Fur? Feather?--he arched his spine with an appreciative hum. "Mistress Julia taught me," what might interest this one, outside the chambers? "Oh, all the skills that pleased her best, and not just in the sheets--!"
Clu shivered, sighing into it like a hungry cat.
"So, if master is asking, certainly I can clean and cook, and recite several epics. I read a little, and sing, badly. Oh!" He licked his lips for it. "I can cook. Does Master care for seafood? Oysters and their reputation," with a little wriggle, low-voiced, "clams and their clever wet beards. Poached peacock--her cook was cross with me, by the end."
Which left one more.
"I thought my third house would be my last, but. Debts accrue, don't they." With a shake of his head. "And the fanciest furniture goes first."
By now it would be clear to a discerning gentleman that Clu babbled and a distinct problem with modesty--he had none. But he also hadn't given away information that could truly injure his prior masters in any way, not even when tempted with the chance.
"I have never hurt, or stolen from, or lied to anyone who owned me."
That for being teased--crisp and a little tart, and Master did not exactly ask.
no subject
And yet--he also took pains to assure Clu he was safe against harsh treatment, unless he earned it, and that strangers would not be handling him at random--not unless Clu did something to cause it. So. He loosened his spine, relaxed just a shade into the praise.
...He'd start with the things he could quantify.
"I'm a born slave," meaning no outside trouble and no other life to cling to, "and Master's house is my fourth place of service."
It was glitching hard to think, with the feather. Was it a feather? Was it fur? Something with soft barest touch dancing over him like that, stirring a restless hot contrail of want.
"Ah," he just managed not to squirm. "I, was, first sold when I presented." He bit his lip. "How do I put this--Master Lucillus' taste in first heats is deserved legend, but that was all he required of me." Not bitter, no: a touch wistful, with careful hunger for the soft stroke of--what was that, silk? Fur? Feather?--he arched his spine with an appreciative hum. "Mistress Julia taught me," what might interest this one, outside the chambers? "Oh, all the skills that pleased her best, and not just in the sheets--!"
Clu shivered, sighing into it like a hungry cat.
"So, if master is asking, certainly I can clean and cook, and recite several epics. I read a little, and sing, badly. Oh!" He licked his lips for it. "I can cook. Does Master care for seafood? Oysters and their reputation," with a little wriggle, low-voiced, "clams and their clever wet beards. Poached peacock--her cook was cross with me, by the end."
Which left one more.
"I thought my third house would be my last, but. Debts accrue, don't they." With a shake of his head. "And the fanciest furniture goes first."
By now it would be clear to a discerning gentleman that Clu babbled and a distinct problem with modesty--he had none. But he also hadn't given away information that could truly injure his prior masters in any way, not even when tempted with the chance.
"I have never hurt, or stolen from, or lied to anyone who owned me."
That for being teased--crisp and a little tart, and Master did not exactly ask.