Kate  hated collars and especially shocking ones. She wondered just what all had the Alyx endured. She would not ask him now. Ann held him to her. It has been a long long time since she held anyone. Johh and Kate had been teens and rarely needed comfort. The other servants where older now. She held his arms and felt the coldness of his wet hair against her cheek. She softly stroked his hair and hummed a song to sooth him. He was small in her arms as he should have been medium build at least of not larger by his 20's.<br/><br/>Kate winced at the scars that were deep and lacerations from lash and so many bruises on his sides. She blinked tears as Alyx tensed, hissed. Ann comforted him. "No one here will fault you... we know you hurt." Ann rubs his arms soflty. She takes a handkerchief from her skirt, she dips it into the basin of fresh water and wipes his eyes. "Tears are part of healing.. let go...no need to hold on... a good cry is good for the soul."