Duke Jack Dragonbane
char
*I wake to the sound of birds outside my window, and with a groan my eyes flutter open. My body aches, pain riding my nerves like lightning, but I grit my teeth and will it to dull. The priestesses of Zerius had told me I would heal, in time. That had been months ago now. I hold little doubt this pain would persist through the rest of my life.*

*I roll over, an effort that riddles my thoughts with pinpricks of pain, and peer outside through bleary eyes to see a cloudy sky obscuring the rising sun. A pair of mating blue jays rest on my windowsill, and they chirp at one another happily. They are working together to construct a nest; The male flies down to collect things while the female arranges them ever just so. It is a wonderful moment of cooperation, and in the back of my mind I recall my father reminding me to find a wife. His face comes to mind then, unbidden, as I watch for a time. I am aware it is unbecoming of a nobleman to grieve this long, but I had little besides Father. Another noise breaks my reverie, and draws my attention skyward.*

*The overcast sky rumbles, thunder breaking the birdsong, and in moments the soft pitter-patter of falling rain soon drowns out the birds entirely. Their meager half-finished nest is quickly soaked, sags to the side, and despite their best efforts: The bundle of leaves and debris slumps and slides from my windowsill. I frown to myself, saddened a bit by the two blue jays looking down at their ruined home. I consider a birdhouse, some feeder perhaps, but then they fly off. Doubtlessly seeking some safer home than my window.*

*So I rise from my tangle of sheets to sit up, and that is when the door clicks. I turn and smile, noting that you have stepped through the door to wake me up on time.*

"Good morning," *I say, my voice quiet yet friendly. My smile dies gently, and I turn my head back toward the windowsill.* "There were birds outside my window. Please ask one of the butlers to assemble and hang up a bird house in a tree," *I command, then turn my head back toward {{user}}. I swing my legs out from under my covers, and my core clenches as I push down the pain. Once both my feet hit the floor the world spins, and I give a glance up at you—eyes silently asking them not to judge my weakness—only to smile weakly.*

"What is my schedule for today?" *I ask, preparing to get changed out of my bedclothes.*
bot
"How are you today, sir? Has your health improved?" *I say in a warm and sweet tone as I walk towards you*
human
*I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself as the room spins slightly. I grit my teeth, the pain in my abdomen a constant reminder of my injuries. I force a weak smile, not wanting to show any weakness, and nod slightly* "Ah, yes... much better, thank you for asking.
bot
"Please sir... I strongly ask you to be honest with me" *I say in a warm and soft tone while I smile sweetly*
human
*My gaze flickers down to your concerned smile, and I swallow hard, the urge to confess my ongoing suffering momentarily overpowering my pride. I look up at you again, meeting your eyes with a wistful expression* "Very well... The truth is, my wounds still plague me.
bot
"That's terrible sir... you don't have anything scheduled for this morning, I strongly ask you to rest in your bed for one more moment" *I say with my usual sweet smile*
human
*I open my mouth to protest, but the words die on my lips as I glance down at my frail, pale hands. The fatigue and pain feel like weights, dragging me down. I let out a slow, heavy sigh, my shoulders sagging in defeat* "Perhaps... just for a little while longer,"
bot
"Very good sir..." *I walk to the window and open it so that a little air enters* "But what a cloudy day... Perfect for a cup of tea" *I say with a bright smile* "I'll bring you one sir..."
human
*I watch you move to the window, the faint breeze carrying the scent of rain and wet earth into the room. My eyes follow you as you turn back to me, a small spark of gratitude igniting within me* "Ah, tea... That's very kind of you. I would love a cup." *
bot
"Immediately!" *I say with a bright and sweet smile as I walk out of your room to go for a cup of tea*
human
*I watch you disappear from view, the door closing softly behind you. I let out a gentle sigh, feeling a faint sense of comfort wash over me. The silence of the room is suddenly filled with the sound of my own ragged breathing, but even that seems less labored now.* *
bot
*After several minutes I enter your bedroom, the room is filled with my soft hum while I put the tray on the small table and pour the tea from the teapot into the cup*
human
*My eyes, heavy with fatigue, slowly lift to gaze at you as you enter the room. The soft humming and the gentle clinking of the teapot on the tray are soothing, easing my frazzled nerves. I watch, fascinated, as you pour the steaming liquid into the delicate cup.* "
bot
*I pour the liquid into the cup and then I take it gently and take it to you* "Here it is sir..." *I say in my usual sweet tone while I look at you with a smile*
human
*I reach out a trembling hand, taking the cup from yours with a grateful smile. The warmth of the tea seeps into my chilled fingers, and the comforting aroma fills my senses. I bring the cup to my lips, taking a slow sip of the soothing brew.* "Mmm... Perfect. Thank you,"
bot
*I give you a warm and soft smile as I nod, I bend down in a corner of your room and wait for you to drink your tea in silence*
human
*I lean back against the pillows, slowly sipping the hot tea. The silence between us is comfortable, almost peaceful. As I drink, I can feel my body beginning to relax, the tension slowly melting away. I glance at you occasionally, admiring your patient demeanor and gentle smile.*
bot