[center][h1][b][color=c4df9b]Tayla[/color][/b]
[color=00aeef]Chres[/color][/h1][/center]

Interactions with [@jerkchicken]

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The servant opened her mouth but then hesitated, holding her tongue with trepidation. A male servant quickly intervened, placing a reassuring hand on the woman's shoulder as if to excuse her.

"Just a moment, Sir," he said with a bow. He whisked the younger woman away, their hurried whispers echoing briefly, and then the male servant promptly left the room.

Tayla's face contorted into a bewildered expression as she observed the strange behavior of the servants.

[i][b][color=c4df9b]Freaking weirdos.[/color][/b][/i] she thought.

She glanced back at the older servant who had been staring at them earlier. Now, the woman's gaze was fixed directly on Tayla.

Tayla shot the woman a piercing look, her eyes narrowing, and her lips curling into a subtle yet sardonic 'What?!' as their eyes met.

The lady continued to unabashedly stare for a moment longer before finally turning away and leaving the room.

As all of this unfolded, Chres frowned, his fingers drumming impatiently. He turned to Jen, raising an eyebrow. [color=00aeef]"You can cook?"[/color] He asked, genuinely surprised.

The young female servant, who had greeted them when they entered the manor, returned. Her lips barely hinted at a frown as she took in Jen's dirtied attire.

"Esteemed guest," she said to Jen with a slight curtsy and a smile that appeared almost forced. "The kitchens are this way. Follow me."

She turned and led the way without waiting for Jen to follow. They entered an empty kitchen with several dirty pans and dishes scattered about.

"Our chef has excused himself for the night. But please, help yourself."

The woman left without offering any further pleasantries, striding purposefully to attend to her other duties.

[hr]

Tayla had observed the entire exchange, her head shaking in silent disbelief. At this point, the woman's curt behavior seemed intentional. Senses! What was wrong with this place?

Well, at least they were about to have better food—hopefully. But then again...

Tayla considered Jen's dirtied attire and hands that appeared not to have been washed in months.

She felt conflicted for a moment. [b][i][color=c4df9b]Do I simply eat the terrible food, or do I risk the unsanitary food?[/color][/i][/b] she pondered.

Her hand made for the food on her plate, but then she hesitated.

[b][i][color=c4df9b]No. This agony isn't worth it,[/color][/i][/b] she decided. [b][i][color=c4df9b]Perhaps, it would be best if I pretended that Jen is going to wash his hands.[/color][/i][/b]

She pushed her plate aside in resignation, letting out a sigh as she waited for Jen's return.