Peek: Familiar (Patreon)

There are many secrets Miller keeps. Some so old that it wouldn't matter if he keeps them, yet he keeps them anyway. Most are because the one they are about are not worth being remembered. Three are known, but he promised to never speak of them, so he doesn't speak of them. Some are more recent, most of which are effectively gossip. A butler doesn't gossip, of course, but a butler does listen.

Tonight is a night for one of his regular secrets, and the rare one that he is amused and happy to keep. And it started with little Rose.

She acts quiet and demure, content to sit in the Young Master's pocket, but it is a ruse... one that he wonders if he's contributed to, now that he thinks about it. It's no secret that he asked the Young Master to tame her to get access to her spatial affinity, for his own protection. Much like himself, the little living vine takes that protection seriously, while maintaining a facade for the world to ignore.

But her protectiveness shows in the little ways. The small holes in every potted plant in the manor, where she marks her territory and dominance over the other plants. That is her soil, and she allows them to use it. At first, she was obvious about it, but as Miller continued to fill the little holes, Rose learned to be more subtle about it.

Before, the gardeners thought they might have moles, but now they never notice the little signs Rose has left behind. And once she established her territory, she invited the spiders.

It was an odd thing, watching Lucas and Fiona slip over the walls and though a too-small crack in a brick, to emerge inside the manor. It was stranger still to see them meet with Rose in the main dining hall, the living vine holding herself with all the dignity of a queen. It was very amusing to see Fiona being polite and graceful, with Lucas unable to stay still, looking everywhere with curiosity.

They meet weekly now, and Miller has never been more tempted to let someone else in on a secret in his life. Teemo would know what they are discussing, and is mischievous enough to be willing to translate quietly for Miller, perhaps in exchange for a cushion to take back to the dungeon.

He resists the temptation, partially so as to not encourage the Voice, and partially because he trusts the three tames. Soon to be four. Pul recently obtained his own, and Miller expects an additional guest this evening.

The gremlin is more nervous than the others, still not used to being outside a dungeon, and likely not used to higher thought. He's never had a tame himself, but he's heard they become much more intelligent from the process. The secret meetings are excellent proof of the theory.

He carefully leaves the slimmest gap in the security for her to slip in through, letting her and Rose think they've managed to get one over on him. He smiles as he finishes preparing the tray, also preparing to reveal that particular secret.

The gremlin joins the others and is greeted warmly, and they get down to whatever business familiars get to, before they are interrupted. It takes all of his training to keep the smile off his face as he enters the dining hall, carrying a tray of refreshments. Lucas and Fiona are fond of the small hand pies of meat, and he expects the gremlin will share similar tastes. For Rose, a small sampling of mulch and cool water.

The familiars freeze when the door opens, eighteen eyes and one bloom locking on him like children that have just been caught sneaking sweets. He approaches without saying anything, his footfalls echoing through the silent dining hall. He sets the mulch and water before Rose before he speaks.

"Refreshments for yourself and your guests, Miss Rose," he says, as if it's perfectly ordinary for him to provide hospitality for them all.

He sets the other plates before the others, then steps behind Rose, not dissimilar to how he often stands behind Young Master Rezlar.

Lucas moves first, likely tempted by the snack, and guided by the social awareness of his mistress. If someone acts like nothing is wrong, it must be fine, right? Miller doesn't react as the spider eats the snack, and the gremlin cautiously takes one as well. She pauses as she tastes the meat, and Miller is happy to see he surmised her tastes correctly.

Fiona quietly corrects her table manners as the four seem to accept the situation, and resume whatever business they all have, likely a welcoming for the gremlin.

Miller can't help but feel he and they are kindred spirits. They all have their charges they intend to keep safe, and are often overlooked by others. Miller observes them as they communicate, taking the opportunity to brush up on reading denizen body language. Someone like Inspector Tarl would likely be able to follow along without trouble, but Miller never had the reason nor the time to get so familiar.

His lips twitch at the unintended pun, and he continues to observe. If he can learn to listen, what secrets will they be able to tell him? And what will he tell them in turn? Guarding a charge is best done in secret, yes, but it is all the easier if one has skilled help.