Bonding Through Duty
The morning begins as usual, with students making their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. Harry, now accompanied by Talon, heads to the hall, the weight of his new role subtly influencing his every action. Talon walks a step behind him, silent but attentive, his presence a constant reminder of the responsibilities Harry has taken on. As they enter the Great Hall, Harry pauses and turns to Talon. "Talon," he says in a calm, measured tone, "go join the other slaves for breakfast. I'll meet you afterward, and we'll head to class together." Talon nods obediently, his expression neutral but respectful. Without a word, he moves toward the area where the other slaves are gathering, leaving Harry to join his friends at their usual table.
As Harry sits down with Lysandra, Cyrus, and Selene, it doesn't take long for them to notice Talon's absence. "Where's Talon?" Cyrus asks, glancing around. "I thought he'd be with you." Harry explains that he sent Talon to have breakfast with the other slaves, wanting to ensure that Talon follows the customs of Morgana's Seat. "I figured it's best if he sticks to the routine he's used to," Harry says, trying to sound confident in his decision. "Besides, I think it's important for him to have that time with the others, at least for now." Selene nods in agreement. "That's a good call, Harry. It's important for Talon to have a sense of normalcy, even within the boundaries of his role. But remember, as his master, you have the authority to change things as you see fit. Just make sure you're considering his well-being as much as his duties."
After breakfast, Talon returns to Harry's side, ready to assist with the day's tasks. Today, Harry has decided that Talon will take on a more active role in his academic life. As they head to their first class, Talon carries Harry's schoolbooks, his movements efficient and purposeful. It's clear that Talon is well-trained and accustomed to following orders, but there's also a subtle strength in the way he carries himself—an unspoken determination that Harry can't help but admire. As they enter the classroom for Advanced Magical Theory, Talon quietly takes his place beside Harry, ready to assist. The other students glance at Talon, some with curiosity, others with indifference. It's not uncommon for students of Morgana's Seat to have slaves accompany them, but for Harry, this is still a new experience.
During the lesson, Harry focuses on the professor's lecture while Talon diligently takes notes. Harry had decided to give this task to Talon after considering how he could best utilize his time and Talon's capabilities. With Talon handling the note-taking, Harry is able to engage more deeply with the material, asking questions and participating in discussions without the distraction of writing. Talon's notes are neat and precise, capturing every detail of the lecture with remarkable accuracy. As the class progresses, Harry realizes just how helpful this arrangement is. Talon's efficiency allows Harry to concentrate fully on understanding the complex concepts being taught, and he finds himself more engaged and attentive than ever before.
The rest of the day follows a similar pattern, with Talon carrying Harry's books from class to class and continuing to take notes during each lecture. The routine quickly becomes seamless, with Talon anticipating Harry's needs and adjusting his actions accordingly. Harry finds himself appreciating Talon's quiet competence, recognizing that their partnership, though unconventional, is beginning to take shape. Throughout the day, Harry notices a few curious glances from his classmates, particularly when they see Talon taking notes for him. However, no one questions it—after all, it's not unusual for students of Morgana's Seat to delegate such tasks to their slaves. Still, Harry is mindful of the fact that his decision to involve Talon so directly in his academic life is a significant shift, one that reflects his growing acceptance of the norms of this world.
That evening, back in his dormitory, Harry reviews the notes Talon took during the day. The notes are detailed and well-organized, allowing Harry to go over the day's lessons with ease. As he reads, he feels a sense of satisfaction, knowing that he's made the right choice in how he's begun to integrate Talon into his daily life. "You did well today, Talon," Harry says, looking up from the notes. "Thank you for your help." Talon nods, acknowledging the praise with a calm expression. "It's my duty, Master Harry," Talon replies simply, his voice steady and respectful. Despite the formalities, there's a sense of mutual understanding between them—a recognition that their relationship, though defined by the customs of Morgana's Seat, is built on trust and respect.
As Harry prepares for bed, he reflects on his earlier conversation with Selene. He knows that he's only just beginning to understand what it means to be a master in this world, and that there's much more to learn. Selene's advice about balancing authority with care continues to resonate with him, and he resolves to continue seeking her guidance as he navigates this new aspect of his life. As the day comes to an end, Harry feels a sense of calm. The day has been normal in many ways, but also marked by the new responsibilities he has taken on with Talon by his side. He knows that the road ahead will be challenging, but with Talon's support and the guidance of his friends, Harry feels ready to face whatever comes next.