SkunkyArt | Houdinz - Cedrick | Tainted Commoner

Year 760 - 766 of the new age | Newborn - 6 years old.

Cedrick is stag born into service from the very beginning. Like almost everything in Glenmore, it started with his bloodline, and he was quickly pushed into the ways of gladebucks, butlers, and maids - learning the delicate ways of taking care of a den, grooming royals and position himself where he needed to be. By quick learning and a natural gallant soul, Erick found himself being rather good at his work and found a simple joy in the work he did. Especially when he did it well. As he aged, Erick grew into a rather slim and slender stag, which more or less actually helped his position as a soon to be a butler. Although a servant, he formed a close bond with the family he worked for - especially one of the younger Lords.

During their childhood, rank and blood didn't seem to mean a lot. While Cedrick, of course, had been warned by his parents and elders that their friendship at some point would turn into a more practical one and that he should prepare himself for that day. Because it wasn't abnormal for young lords to grow into their rank as they aged. But as they both aged, their friendship only became stronger.

Year 766 - 771 of the new age | 6 years old - 11 years old.

The years he should have bloomed, but ended up hating with all his heart.

Cedrick finally became a butler. Pride was what he felt, he was proud to serve the royals of Glenmore, and said pride was to be seen in every piece of work he did. He was careful, he was patient and most important of all - he never questioned his orders or superiors. And for that, he was rewarded, by becoming the personal butler of the young lord he had shared his childhood with. Which was great. It was amazing. They both moved into the new glade his new charge had acquired and a few months passed by. He did his job, managed his glade and enjoyed the quiet evenings in his lord's glade. While there was no ladies, fawns or princesses, Cedrick didn't think much of it, because his lord was still young. Someday, the glade would be booming with life, and he would be there to take care if it all. Who knew, maybe he'd even have his own family if allowed to?

A few years passed, and the year became 771 of the new age. Cedrick had now been serving in his lord's glade for five years, but something didn't feel right. The lack of.... females was interesting, a bit worrisome according to Cedrick. He was worried about his lord, and couldn't quite figure out why he rarely participated in rut, or fought for some of the lovely ladies in the royal glades. Heck, it wasn't his place to question his lord, but worry got the best of him and one summer evening he made his way to his den. He had turned in early his evening, something burdening his mind and body. Erick approached with a humble greeting towards his lord before stopping in the entrance.

"My lord, is everything okay? You seem so... tired these days. Anything I can do to lift this burden from your mind?"

His voice was quiet, formal yet sincere. It did affect him to see his friend and charge in this state. And if he could help, then he would. His lords' eyes reflected the dim light of the sun - he sure was awake, yet he didn't reply. Cedrick could see him thinking, he knew that he shouldn't push for an answer, but choose to wait, not giving up on this. Something was clearly wrong. And if he had learned anything from his parents, then it was the fact that talking about it was the first way to deal with it.

"Cedrick ... please, join me".

He finally spoke, moving slightly to the side to make room for his butler. Cedrick found himself with a puzzled look on his face, before slowly taking a few steps closer in the den. He had never questioned an order nor a request, and he wasn't about to do it now. Gently placing himself, Cedrick laid down beside the tired lord, eyes following his with worry. Why, by the gods, would he ask him to lay here? Did he feel lonely? Had something happened? Questions were piling up inside but Cedrick didn't get the chance to say anything before he felt a heavy head resting on his shoulders, his lord embracing him in a tight hug. His breath - his friends' breath was heavy yet nervous, his body shaking slightly. What had happened to him? Had someone done something to him?

During the next few months, this became rather... normal for them. His lord returning in the evening, asking for his presence in the den before going to bed. And Cedrick, unknowing about why this was happening, did not ask questions. He had heard about this... this weird affection between some stags. This abnormal tenderness, he could see it in his lord's eyes. But it seemed to help... his eyes became more lively, his smile occurred more often. He seemed happy, which was everything Cedrick was here to serve for. And he had to admit, he was beginning to grow fond of his friend, accepting his tight embrace and tender touch. But then a few months later.

"What is this?!"

A growling voice almost spitting with malice suddenly tore the silence one evening. Cedricks opened his eyes with a shock, his head pulling away from the warm embrace he had been in an tried to see who was standing in the entrance. The silhouette of a stag - a really broad one, stood in sharp contrast to the dwindling light outside. His lord - not awake and just as shocked as Cedrick himself, jumped away from him before scrambling to his hooves.

"This is not what it seems, father!"

He replied quickly, voice a bit shaken from the presence of the powerful, older lord, who Cedrick now recognized. Standing up slowly and trying not to draw any attention, Cedrick stared into the ground. Didn't his father know? How come he knew, when his very own father did not? Whereas Cedrick had expected his friend to explain and take responsibility - be honest towards his father, he was not ready for the next thing that happened.

"He... he tricked me... manipulated me. He must have been sneaking into my den rather often. Can you believe it? This filthy butler - I've only been kind to him. I never imagined he would dare come this close to me."

Cedrick felt his jaw drop, as he looked at his friend. Lies, lies, filthy LIES his mind screamed, yet his mouth was sealed in the shock of what was happening. In the distance, he heard the father mumble something and something about guards, but his attention was solemnly on the young lord and former friend of his. LIES, that snake was LYING. HE was the one who wanted the company of stags. HE was the one who had asked him from the very beginning. Even when Erick himself had asked if this was what he actually wanted, then HE had been the one to say yes. His muscles tensed, his mouth twisted in a growl yet he didn't say nor do anything when the guards came to get him. Because who would even believe him?

What now?