<i>Family</i>. Of course, how could Ezra have asked such a ridiculous question? Andras was no servant of Reis' household, he was family. Restrictions placed on staff certainly would never be placed on Master's own blood. The Asha blushed at his mistake, feeling his body tremble with excitement as Andras weaved his fingers through the thick, luscious curls he had loosed while planting his seeds. The human male was breathing against Ezra's plush lips, still smelling sweet and alluring. When Andras asked if he had liked it, Ezra wasn't sure what "it" meant precisely, but he nodded fervently, not wanting to look stupid in front of his master's family again.<br/><br/>"Oh, yes, Mister Andras," Ezra whispered, his voice soft and delicate as he looked up into the man's eyes. Andras was taller than Master Reis, broader, and Ezra felt as if he were being completely enveloped in the bigger male's grasp. He didn't mind it, necessarily, though it was an odd sensation, almost as bizarre as the prickling that lingered on his mouth from the wine. Or the kiss. Ezra didn't know, as he had never experienced either before.<br/><br/><i>Yes, Master did send me to be with Mister Andras</i>, Ezra thought, feeling a frightful cold clutch at his body when Andras pulled away. He reached for his discarded shirt, pulling it over his naked torso as his eyes followed the path of Andras' wine glass. The pretty liquid swirled momentarily before the man tipped it up against his lips, and his throat moved in a fashion that mesmerized Ezra as he swallowed the remaining drink.<i>Mister Andras is handsome, like Master Reis. Perhaps I am supposed to please him as I would please Master. This is what the keepers would say. <br/>
</i><br/>"A-appreciate?" Ezra stuttered, not understanding why Mister Andras' tone had shifted from playful and captivating to one more tainted with exasperation. "Oh, I know Master does not like me much, but I hope to make it better soon. It does not seem he cares much for pretty things," he mumbled, not completely understanding the complexities behind<i>why</i>Reis seemed to disapprove of his new pet.<br/><br/>Though Andras did not kiss him again, the human male did not seem to mind lavishing caresses and gentle petting onto the Asha, leaving Ezra's body hot and tense by the time Reis arrived. He did not understand the unusual tactile sensations Andras provided him, did not know whether it was something he was supposed to feel, or if it was something unique to Mister Andras. Reis had yet to touch him at all aside from some quick, harsh grabs, and they felt nothing like the adoring touches Andras gave him.<br/><br/>Ezra ignored much of the men's conversation, instead preferring to focus on his master's face, looking irritated and weary. Did Master ever smile? Really? Did he even know how? What would it take for Ezra to make him smile, aside from telling off his cousin? That seemed to be the only thing Ezra had done so far that Reis appeared to enjoy. When Reis called to him, Ezra snapped to attention, obediently rushing to his master's side and paying Andras no mind. He did not say good bye to the human when Reis led him along. He didn't even look back.<br/><br/>While the garden was Ezra's unofficial "home" on Reis' estate, the Asha enjoyed being around Master's other pets. His cloudy eyes grew wide with interest as they walked pasted the various enclosures. Though Ezra was curious, he did not exhibit his typical need to touch everything, instead preferring to stay close to his master's side. There was an air of understanding about Ezra's movements, as though he comprehended the need for reverence and calm among Reis' animals.<br/><br/>"There are many creatures on Tuloa," Ezra began, smiling as he admired Reis' beautifully colored snake. "We do not have these, however," he explained, nodding to the winding reptile. "But I have read of them. Snakes. They have no limbs, and so they move by using their muscles and scales. They can eat things much bigger than them by unhinging their jaws and swallowing their meals whole. Some snakes are venomous. Some snakes kill by constriction. Some even swim! It is all very fascinating, Master."<br/><br/>Ezra followed along as Reis continued to point out various animals, enjoying this quiet moment with his Master. All his confusion about Andras as his touches dissipated as Reis spoke to him. Feelings of contentment and affection for his master blossomed in Ezra's chest as he walked, watching Reis' beasts.<br/><br/>"Oh yes, there are dangerous creatures on and around Tuloa. The beaches are relatively safe, though there are sharks around that sometimes like to get too close. It is rare. Most Asha live close to the water as deep in the jungles there are many blood thirsty creatures that will not hesitant to slaughter a lone Asha. Big cats. They look similar to jaguars, I think you call them, but they are narrower. They have razor sharp teeth that tear through flesh with ease.<br/><br/>"Then there are the<i>yongos</i>. No one likes<i>yongos</i>." Ezra looked to Reis and grinned, his soft hair framing his bright features as he spoke. "They are like... Oh, I do not know what you call them. They are like little hairy humans, but they do not speak, they just scream. They do not eat meat, only fruit and foliage, but they are remarkably strong and an angry one can tear an Asha's limbs off. They also throw feces. No one likes<i>yongos.</i>"<br/><br/>Ezra continued to speak for as long as Reis would allow him, describing a number of menacing amphibians, mammals, and birds that all posed threats to ignorant or careless Asha. "Tuloa is rich with life, but it must be respected. Just because an animal appears small and harmless, it does not always mean that."<br/><br/>He paused, taking a minute to study Reis' parrot. "I would very much like to be with you tomorrow to fly your birds," Ezra confirmed. "Flight is very intriguing, don't you think, Master?"