"Thank you." Seridae spoke softly as he received Rolf's gifts. He wasn't sure what to make of this. Aside from one master, none had ever given him such gifts. "Please have a seat."

Rolf sat down in a very comfortable chair.

"May I bring you something to drink?" Seridae knew his place and his manners.

"Thank you. Spring water would be perfect, with a slice of lime."

Seridae arched a silvery eyebrow. "Of course, Master." This was different also.

"I do not drink alcohol very much, except for weddings and other special occasions." Rolf figured that Seridae might be wondering why he'd only asked for water. "I like to keep my head clear."

The young man brought him a tall chilled glass of fine spring water, with a slice of fresh lime floating in it. "May I bring you anything else?"

"Nothing for me, thanks, but please partake of anything you may want." Rolf took a sip of the refreshing water. The weather was beastly outside.

Seridae sat down with a glass of iced tea. Sitting on the couch, his back was straight as if he were unsure about this new master. His deep purple pupiless eyes scanned Rolf a moment before modestly being cast downward.

"Seridae, how long have you been a slave?" Rolf had read the file given him, but he wanted to hear about Seridae from Seridae himself.

"All of my life. I can't recall ever not being a slave." He tried not to sound too bitter.

Rolf was appalled He had heard of people making slaves of children, even in this day and age. "This life was not of your own choosing?"

Seridae shrugged his graceful shoulders. "Do any of us really have a choice?" Now he really sounded bitter.

"Some of us do." Rolf could sense that this one had been badly abused and was scarred by his experiences. "I will ask you. Do you choose to remain in this life?"

Nobody had ever asked him what he wanted. After a moment of thought, the young man nodded. "It's all I know." Seridae wanted to be free, but he wouldn't know how.

"I am sorry for that. My reason for purchasing you in particular is that I desire companionship. I have slaves of all kinds, but I want someone different to be a companion. You are for me only, and I will never touch you in anger."

Seridae silently listened.

"You enjoy books?"

"Yes, very much." Well, that was a change in topic.

"Very good. I am an avid reader myself. What do you like to read?"

"Everything. Books are my link to that outside world. Travel books, stories set in all sorts of places." Graceful hands became animated as Seridae talked about his favourite types of books.

Rolf took out a small pad and jotted something down. "I shall remember that. Do you like the classics?"

"Yes, of course, and the Greek myths. In fact, I like myths from all cultures."

"So do I."

The young slave wasn't sure how to feel or how to react. He had had only one master who was kind, the one who had taught him to read. The others had been cruel and abusive. This one wasn't like that. He was asking him questions and for his opinions. The others hadn't cared about his interests or opinions. They had just wanted his body or his magickal gifts. From his earliest memories, Seridae could only remember being forced to pleasure others and endure abuses. He had grown bitter and had prepared to hate his new master. He was finding that hard to do now. Seridae decided to 'test the waters.' "What books do you enjoy?"

Rolf grinned. "Anything I can get my hands on. When I was a boy, books became my only friends. They took me to faraway lands where I could take part in fantastic adventures. I read non-fiction sometimes but I prefer adventure, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, even romance. Even a western now and then."

"Really?" The question just popped out. "You like romances?"

"They tell me what women want. My aunt had doubts about me when I was a child because I asked if I could have her old 'Barbie' dolls, but she gave them to me. I'd go play with my sisters and their friends. You see, I was shy around girls. Playing their games and doing what they liked helped be become comfortable around them. Then a friend of one of my sisters introduced me to romance novels. I felt silly at first, but then I realized that the men in the novels were ideals, what the girls fantasized about. I wanted to be like those men."

Seridae had never heard a master be so candid.

Rolf leaned back in the chair. "The girls taught me alot. That's how I learned to love roses."

"I love them as well. My garden is full of them."

"How nice. One day you must show me."

"Of course." Seridae's garden was his sanctuary. He preferred to keep it to himself, but this situation had never come up. No master had ever been interested in his garden. One had punished him by destroying it, but that didn't count.

Rolf sat up. He had to get to practical matters. He'd rather discuss books and such, but there woudl be time enough for that later. Seridae, is there anything you need or want? I will see that you get whatever you need or want."

Another shock. Seridae was speechless. Was this a joke? Was his master toying with him?

Rolf could see that Seridae was having trouble answering. He took a small electronic device from his pocket and set it down on the table. "When something comes to mind, take the stylus and write it down." He showed Seridae a pen-like instrument. "Then press this button. I will get the message."

Seridae nodded.

Rolf stood up. "I must take my leave of you, but I have a business meeting to attend. I just had to meet you. I will return after my meeting.

"Yes,Master." Seridae stood and followed Rolf to the door.

Rolf bowed to him at the door. "Until later." He smiled politely and left.

Seridae closed the door after Rolf and returned to his seat. What had just happened? Could he trust this new master? This one 'felt' different from the others, but was he? Seridae didn't want to show any weakness to a master. He would have to keep up his guard. He'd been hurt and abused too much and too long to let anyone get close to him. He feared the touch of another person as well as emotional closeness.