100 Theme Challenge #77

Sequel of #58 and #59.

77. Freedom

Furious scribble sounds filled the silence of the dark room, a flickering candle being the only light source through the night. The man leaning at the only desk had furrowed brows in concentration, black ink spots painting the nimble fingers holding the nib and making it scratch and fly across the beige paper.

Chale was writing down a final version of the castle's monthly record at Marcus' request, and he made sure everything was spotless once he applied the last letter. Satisfied with his work, he let the ink to dry and extinguished the candle. In the dark, he stretched to his full with a yawn. He was supposed to be in bed by now, but he wanted to finish that before going to sleep. He didn't like making Marcus wait, the man was too kind with him. He'd been at his service for a year now, and not a day passed that he didn't think if perhaps he was dreaming. He'd spent years being a slave, following orders with blind eyes unless he wanted to feel the cracking pain of the whip on the tender skin of his back. He knew now he wasn't a slave anymore, that he was free and was paid to be Marcus' assistant, but it was easier said than done to just forget. He still flinched sometimes when someone would get closer to him than he expected or would surprise him. He still lowered his gaze when people stared at him for too long, especially when it was the King, Marcus' father, who didn't seem to like him. 

Perhaps it was the way Marcus was so affectionate with him, surely in hopes it'd help Chale to lose that constant discomfort, or the way Chale would stare at Marcus' back until he realized he was doing so. Marcus was technically his superior, but he didn't act like it, and his orders were requests, Chale had always the choice to refuse. He liked his new profession, though, so he never complained. He already knew how to read and write, and he learnt that he enjoyed holding a nib and waiting to transcribe down whatever Marcus would tell him, in the silence of his small office. He liked being with Marcus, he made him feel at ease, and he liked to make Chale laugh.

"Chale?" A voice called him from behind. Chale started and turned around to see a silhouette in the door frame. "What are you doing in the dark?"

"I just extinguished the candle, I was heading to bed. Why are you still up?" He joined Marcus at the door, not really comfortable to stay in almost complete darkness. The hall was still lighted, at least, and Marcus was here, which reassured him.

"I was finishing some matters that couldn't wait. I suspect you were doing the same?" Marcus was smiling, and the light hit his high cheekbones and the side of his lips. Chale tried not to stare.

"Yes, the record you asked me."

Marcus tsked, his expression exasperated. "This could have waited. I don't want you to fall asleep face first into your desk tomorrow," he reprimanded, and Chale couldn't help but chuckle.

"All right, I'm going now," he finally conceded. "You should as well."

"I'm right behind you." They began to walk back to the sleeping quarters. Chale refrained a shiver when he felt Marcus slide down his back in a friendly gesture. He turned big eyes at him, whose smile disappeared.

"I apologize if any of my gestures make you uncomfortable, I didn't mean to. I'm a touchy person."

Chale slightly shook his head "No need. I'm just… not used to it."

And after a small hesitation, he placed his hand on Marcus' shoulder, gently squeezing it.

(What is 100TC?)

I only made around 600 words with this one, but honestly I didn't want to add too much but show how Chale adjust to his free life, how he allows himself to feel for the first time in his life. He's just so cute!