"Wh...what?" was the only words I could utter, not knowing what he had meant. Though, it could have meant many things. The world to an ending doom, or my world beneath his own palms. "The mortal world...had it changed in a fright, little bird," he said, gazing around the manor.

He looked back at me once more with curved lips, "You will be my owl from now on, to teach me about this wondrous world, little bird." he beamed and came closer, "Find someone who will, because I will never!" I snapped back with an engraved scowl, inching my head forward while my body fought for dominance over the binding waters that curved.

Merrik frowned and rest his head to his hand, gazing at me with wonder. "I will pledge you the freedom of your sister, little bird," he spoke softly, his emerald eyes coming to a luminescent as I blinked, the sight of the ocean waves muffling a scream with arms that flapped around, trying to reach for the morning dew with the waters binding her whole. "Help me." was the words that Ella screamed in a chant inside my head.

I shook my head, slowly looking back up at Merrik. "The time ticks. In time she will drown, and in waters she will linger," he riddled, creepily walking towards me with his fingertips to my chin as he tilt his head to the side, "Will you let that happen?" he questioned.

"Never." I mumbled back, never letting go of his darkly gaze. The binds of the water let go, making me stumble to my feet on the ground as I fought for momentum. The fluids ran pass beside Merrik while I glanced behind him, the clear droplets going back inside the glass cup beside his bed.

"Then I will take that as a yes, little bird." he chuckled to himself, taking my hand and kissing the top of it with his lips. "I have a name, sir Merrik. I do not like to be called a bird, you fish." I glared, insulting him back while I yanked my arm back to my sides.

He laughed to himself quietly and nod his head, "Then I give you my greetings, lady (y/n)," he bowed his head low. Before I could utter out a word, we heard footsteps coming towards us. We turned our heads to see one of the ladies with a gentle smile, looking far beyond me but rather at Merrik who stood behind.

"My lady, breakfast is ready." she announced, pushing a strand of hair at the back of her ear as she curtsied and left. I sighed to myself and rolled my eyes, beckoning Merrik to follow tirelessly as we went down the stairs.

The delectable scent of a perfect breakfast meal hum into my nostrils like heavens, making my tummy grumble. The door from the kitchen slammed open with sir Barron hastily carrying a plate of eggs and bacon at both of his hand, "Good morning, lady (y/n)! Perhaps bacon would do ye' a favor of your ruined morning? You look as grumpy as my dear old grandmother I tell ye!" sir Barron laughed, his morning insults never failing to make me groan.

I held onto the chair, ready to push it back to sit but was stopped by a hand laying on top of mine. I looked up to see Merrik taking my hand away as he pulled the chair for me to sit. I ignored his gaze and sat down quietly, taking the utensils as I served myself my food.

A few giggles were heard from the corner. As I bit down on the egg, I turned my head to the right to see Merrik avoiding the utensils and eating a strip of bacon with his bare hands. I tapped him by the shoulder, taking his attention away from the meal.

"You use a fork and a knife, Merrik," I nudged, pointing my knife towards the utensils that sat beside his left arm. He looked with perplex, taking both of its handle slowly and glancing back at me. I nod my head in approval and stabbed the piece of bacon with my fork while he mirrored me, gazing back every now and then as I thoroughly thrust the sharp knife forward and cut a piece of meat.

I lift my fork up and took a bite. "You did well, Merrik." I mumbled and began to eat while he followed my movement. Sir Barron sat across from our table after I offered him a sit, my eyes lingered around the room, trying to find a person. "Your mother isn't feeling well, lady (y/n). She's having soup upstairs." sir Barron answered my thoughts as I nod my head slowly, doing my best to hide the frown that came upon my visage.

"Thank you, sir Barron. But I'll be staying in today to take care of her. I'm sure Jack would handle the bakery just fine." I smiled, taking a spoonful of egg while I chewed. Sir Barron shook his head and sunk back to his seat with crossed arms, "Don't ye' worry about your mother, lady (y/n). I'll be taking care of her. You should take the guest with ye' today. I haven't seen a new face likes his before!" he replied back with enthusiasm, pointing at Merrik.

Sir Barron inched closer with both arms resting on the table with his shoulders back. "Ye' look familiar lad, what's your name?" he asked with a raised brow while I looked at Merrik at the corner of my eye. "Merrik, sir." he beamed, taking a hand out for him to shake. Sir Barron laughed, standing up and shaking his hand. "Funny coincidence Merrik, you look and even named like the hero of Norkloe here! I reckon you're familiar with him?" sir Barron questioned, taking his seat back while I stood up from my own two feet.

They both gazed back at me, the room suddenly quieting down. "We'll be taking our leave now, sir Barron. I just remembered that Jack needs help today." I lied, bowing my head in respect and snatching Merrik's wrist with sir Barron giving me the basket of freshly baked pastries.

I let go of my grasps from Merrik's wrist while we began our walk on the paved road. Merrik looked around while I kept pushing him closer towards me and away from the passing carriage, "I suppose you're familiar with carriages, Merrik. So please avoid finding me any inconvenience such as getting hit by one." I glared in a warning tone, "What's that steaming thing? Are people drinking liquid mud now?" he pointed at a wagon with many workers that surrounded it, drinking the steamy beverage in the morning breeze.

"That's coffee, Merrik. It helps you get energized." I replied back, briefly explaining what it is. He nod his head and pointed at other things, such as the lady that read tarot cards and the flyer of a circus.

After pushing through the rendezvous of a crowd, I swung the door open with the chiming bells to be heard as a greeting, "Good morning, (y/n)! Isn't today an eggcellent day?" Jack winked, taking a bite of the cooked egg.