Chapter Text
As a few of my colleagues pointed out, the elven language is much more complicated than I could dream of. Yes, Ƿynflæd is his name, but certain contexts could apply that to the reader. Fanthropologists note that one of the original “tags” of this work is our equivalent of “AU.” In the original story, Ælfleod laments over the body of Ƿynflæd, for not getting to know them, after seeing them mistreated many times over by their master. So, in this story, instead of regretting not buying them away from their master sooner, they did, days before they died in the original. This then leads into the events of the fic, taking place in a time-skip inside the original. Also, when a character is mentioned, he usually means wynflaed, and a name or relation to wynflaed is what is usually used instead of their pronouns .Translating this work is one of my most favourable pastimes, and a good way to pretend to be working. Again, any help with tags or translational corrections are greatly appreciated. The work, once more, is as follows.
“You read the letter, and came here of your own free will, I trust?” Aelfleod’s voice was so soothing that even the thought of the slightest deceit is washed from his mind. “Y-yes, yes I did,” he said. “And you know why?” It sounded like an accusation but his voice was so nice that he couldn’t even get upset. “To discuss your purchase of me, no?” Aelfleod almost obviously recoiled at the notion. “Buy you? Why would I buy you? We’re here to discuss your employment and payment.” “Paying me? Why do I need money?” He couldn’t tell if he was more confused or if Aelfleod was. “Do you have no interests? Hobbies? Favourite food? Friends outside?” Aelfleod’s voice became more distressed after every word. “I don’t know, I’ve been happy so far without those things-” “Have you really been happy?” Aelfleod cut him off without hesitation. “I’ve seen the way he treated you, and you tell me you were happy? I...” Aelfleod stammered. “I don’t like… watching people get hurt. Every time I went there, it was always you, and your pain. I’ve seen the things he did to you, I don’t want that to happen to anyone..” The silence lasted an unbearable amount of time. “Please… Don’t go back there, ok?” The empathy and sorrow in Aelfleod’s voice hurt him such that he couldn’t say no, but.. could he really work? He doesn’t have a place to stay, or any real experience caring for himself in this world… “You don’t have a place of residence, do you?” Aelfleod asked, as if he read his mind. “All of our staff live offsite, except for my cook… I don’t have a place to put you..” It was strange, having people care for him this much, he had gotten so used to being dejected that it felt unnatural to be valued like this. “I know this is probably some kind of breach, but my bed is pretty big… and lonely..” “Wouldn’t it be weird for a normal staff member to be… sleeping in your bed…” He could feel his cheeks burn up in flusterment at the notion. “Well, we haven’t discussed what you will do yet, I-” Aelfleod stammered again. It was a strange feeling, watching a man so grandiose be so kind yet so nervous, even for someone as low as him. “I-If you become… uh…” Aelfleod stammering away was almost… charming? No, that can’t be right, he can’t be attracted to someone so far above him, and his… beautiful hair, and his lovely skin an– “A-Are you alright, Wynflaed? Your nose, it’s, uh, bleeding. Let me go grab some cotton, I’ll be right back.”