@edenslostwallflower - continuing because it won’t let me reblog
Automatons by nature would not question their given instructions. If they were meant to write, or to serve tea, that is what they would do indefinitely until their mechanisms stopped working. Then, it was only a simple repair, a readjustment, and they would work like new again. Leanna was different from the moment her clockspring heart had started winding. She knew this, but not many others. A personal projected, gifted to the Oracle. There would be no readjusting, nothing to repair, because in doing so she would no longer be herself. The only way forward was to learn.
It was a difficult concept. She had spent so many years within one given instruction that the thought of going to something else was almost.. frightening. Her old life was being pulled from her grip and there was little she could do about it. She was unhappy with the thought of becoming a laundry-automaton… but could she really protest it?
“The given perimeters of my given tasks may not be suitable for the estate’s housework. However, if that is what is desired of me, I shall do my best.” Her voice, usually even and neutral, held a bereft tone. She was sad, naturally, and feeling rather lost. “It is a strange situation.. to go from one thing for so long to something entirely new–”
Ravus wasn’t unaware of what he was asking. To ask an automaton to reprogram themselves was quite the task, for getting used to new duties would take time and perhaps quite some luck. That did not change that remaining at the manor would be far safer for Leanna, and keep her near Lunafreya for a few more years at the very least.
That didn’t mean that when she spoke, the tone of her voice had Ravus arching an eyebrow in surprise before his expression turned pensive.
“It is.” He spoke, for he knew what it was for life to change in a matter of minutes, and the memories turned his mood bitter. “Yet such a thing is not our choice, most of the time.” He added, far more curt.
It took him a moment to breathe, to consider the situation.
“I will stay in the manor for three more days. Were you not able to perform your new duties to the standard required, I will consider a new course of action.”
Not even the Chancellor should have grounds to begrudge him taking an automaton as an assistant.