Recently there arrived a new fellow at the House, seeking employent from Asia as a hired bodyguard. There is something peculiar about him that I don't like. I don't think Marius trusts him either, for he didn't miss the chance to grill the hopeful recruit and delve into all sorts of personal questions that clearly made the man known as Xenon squirm under the line of fire. I am convinced that this is because my Master truly cares for Asia, even if he doesn't show it outwardly.
One evening while Marius and I were out, the newly hired guardsman had showed up to visit Asia. I learned this when I had returned home earlier than my Master, and while still out in the yard I was stunned by a man hiding in the tall copse of bushes who'd suddenly lept out at me. Covering my mouth from crying out, he told me that Sven was waiting on the road for me on the far side of the Vineyard. And once I had gathered my wits about me again, I nodded in the man's overpowering embrace, complying with his wish that I accompany him that very moment.
Once we reached the end of the road, I saw Sven standing there. He was holding in his hands, a paper-wrapped parcel the exact size and shape of what could only be... my portrait! I was elated that he had brought it to me personally, and I ran to him the remainder of the way.
"I brought you a gift, Damos." He said this with a smile I shall never forget as long as I live. And once again I was compelled. This time to throw my arms about him and draw him into several shameless kisses. I cared not that his cohort looked on, boredly uncomfortable. Sven only laughed, and then he told me I should not tear away the paper and peek. Not until I got home.
I loved him. I love him still. And when he and his cohort turned to go, I myself ran all the way back home.
I suppose then that it was the commotion of my entrance that drew Asia and finally her newly hired guardsman out from their private cubby, for as they both peered into the Atrium, there I was already on my knees and ripping away the paper wrappings. My portrait! And true to his word, he'd not charged me a single tarskbit! Sven is the best friend I have ever had.
But I was suddenly confused, for there on the canvas was not my own smiling image... but Asia's. Naked and posed like a pleasure slave! Could she see the surprise in my eyes as I glanced up from the portrait to her... and finally the face of her guardsman peering over her shoulder from behind? I'm sure she could, and did. She wanted to see the portrait, too. But I could not allow this. Once again, I am afraid for Sven.
I turned and fled from Asia, who only called out after me adamantly to halt myself in my tracks as she attemped to chase me up the stairs. But I was faster, and I locked myself in my Master's private apartments on the third floor... where I have hidden away the Portrait for safekeeping. It is mine.
Sven gave it to me, and it is mine.
