Post by Shalyra Saelith on Nov 11, 2010 14:43:18 GMT -5
Fairbreeze village was aptly named. The third floor of the village inn, where the guests could find every comfort available to them, was built specifically with the light breezes that swept through town in mind. The floor was only a single room. many archways led to the stone balcony that surrounded the level. The only effort to privacy was light veils that gently swayed to the whims of the whispering winds.
On this night, however it was raining. The water fell down in sheets and drowned out the night-time noises. There were no breezes to sing Shalyra to sleep. Yet sleep she did.
Plink Plink
Drops of rain fell off the small overhang where she was crouching, her arms around her knees. The water fell into a growing puddle that threatened to conquer the tiny dry patch of cobblestones that she currently called home.
Plink Plink
The noise was grinding on Shalyra's nerves. She could, of course, utter a spell and find herself back home among the comforts she adored. A hot bath and a good meal certainly had its appeal at the moment.
Plink Plink
Shalyra clutched her legs tighter, trying to keep herself warm. She would not move, obviously. Her eyes looked outward but saw nothing. In her mind she was reliving the night, so many weeks ago, when her father had shown her all the calm cruelty he could muster. Since then she had fled from her family's home, living on whatever scraps she could find or beg for. Her mind was a turmoil. She felt her decision to leave had been a good one but so far she had little to show for it.
Plink Plink
A detail was nagging on her mind though. Who had told him about her lover? She had only ever confided in her twin sister. Anuriel was not only her own blood but her best friend. No, someone else had found out, someone who had wanted to hurt her. There were many would-be suitors she had spurned in the past. Perhaps one of them?
Plink Plink
''Well let's look in here anyways...'' A familiar voice said, piercing her thoughts like a lightning bolt. Aelinn, her twin sister was coming in her direction, her head and shoulders covered with a hood to ward off the nightly chill so soon after a heavy rain.
Plink Plink
''Shal has been gone for weeks, why are we wasting our time looking for her in such a lowly part of the city? Your sister would never be able to live out here, she is too pampered for that.'' The replying voice, Shalyra knew as well. It was Anuriel's husband, Korianthil. While he had a good heart he had the arrogant confidence of a nobleman and the dislike for the poor that was so rampant among those of his status.
Plink Plink
Shalyra, who had been on the verge of rushing out of her hiding place in the shadows to throw herself in her beloved sisters arms had a sudden change of mind when she heard her brother-in-law's next words.
''I find this desire to search for her so intently rather ironic since it was you who betrayed her to your father.'' Korianthil said, chuckling.
Shalyra who had stood up but still remained out of the light, froze in place.
Plink Plink
Anuriel peered into an archway, dim light illuminated her features. There was no worry there, only annoyance. The couple moved on and stopped only a few feet from where Shalyra stood.
''She had no right to have such a scandalous union in the first place. How do you think that would have affected our family? Father had many ears and eyes about the city, better he heard it from me then from someone else. At least I was the one to be rewarded for the effort'' Aelinn scowled at Korianthil, wondering why he had not come to that logical conclusion himself instead of bothering her with his comments.
Plink Plink
Shalyra, dressed in the tattered remains of her robe was trembling but it was not because of the cold. Her hand gripped a knife tightly. Anuriel and Korianthil spoke some more, her sister's back was clearly within reach. Shalyra took a step closer, she stood on the edge of the shadows, her dagger aimed at her sister's heart.
The rain suddenly picked up, falling in droves, instantly drenching everything. Her eyes blurred by the water Shalyra thrust her knife forward with all her strength.
But all she managed to do was to make a tear in her sister's cloak, the couple had already turned and fled at the onset of the downpour. Anuriel, content to have at least tried to look for her sister and thus convincing herself of having made an effort, knew nothing of the attack. The only thing on her mind presently was the comforts of her palatial home. Later on she would suspect the cut in her cloak was because she had snagged it while running.
Shalyra stood motionless in the rain, her robe clinging to her body and her red hair plastered to her skin. Her hands clutched the knife so hard her knuckles were bone-white. No drops of rain dared touch her eyes. They burned with hatred long into the night.
Whatever hope she had of returning to her old life was completely and irrevocably gone. She understood then that everything she had cared for had been a lie. However, Shalyra did not simply lie down and die. She would fight for her survival and come out ahead.
(edits on request of author.)
On this night, however it was raining. The water fell down in sheets and drowned out the night-time noises. There were no breezes to sing Shalyra to sleep. Yet sleep she did.
Plink Plink
Drops of rain fell off the small overhang where she was crouching, her arms around her knees. The water fell into a growing puddle that threatened to conquer the tiny dry patch of cobblestones that she currently called home.
Plink Plink
The noise was grinding on Shalyra's nerves. She could, of course, utter a spell and find herself back home among the comforts she adored. A hot bath and a good meal certainly had its appeal at the moment.
Plink Plink
Shalyra clutched her legs tighter, trying to keep herself warm. She would not move, obviously. Her eyes looked outward but saw nothing. In her mind she was reliving the night, so many weeks ago, when her father had shown her all the calm cruelty he could muster. Since then she had fled from her family's home, living on whatever scraps she could find or beg for. Her mind was a turmoil. She felt her decision to leave had been a good one but so far she had little to show for it.
Plink Plink
A detail was nagging on her mind though. Who had told him about her lover? She had only ever confided in her twin sister. Anuriel was not only her own blood but her best friend. No, someone else had found out, someone who had wanted to hurt her. There were many would-be suitors she had spurned in the past. Perhaps one of them?
Plink Plink
''Well let's look in here anyways...'' A familiar voice said, piercing her thoughts like a lightning bolt. Aelinn, her twin sister was coming in her direction, her head and shoulders covered with a hood to ward off the nightly chill so soon after a heavy rain.
Plink Plink
''Shal has been gone for weeks, why are we wasting our time looking for her in such a lowly part of the city? Your sister would never be able to live out here, she is too pampered for that.'' The replying voice, Shalyra knew as well. It was Anuriel's husband, Korianthil. While he had a good heart he had the arrogant confidence of a nobleman and the dislike for the poor that was so rampant among those of his status.
Plink Plink
Shalyra, who had been on the verge of rushing out of her hiding place in the shadows to throw herself in her beloved sisters arms had a sudden change of mind when she heard her brother-in-law's next words.
''I find this desire to search for her so intently rather ironic since it was you who betrayed her to your father.'' Korianthil said, chuckling.
Shalyra who had stood up but still remained out of the light, froze in place.
Plink Plink
Anuriel peered into an archway, dim light illuminated her features. There was no worry there, only annoyance. The couple moved on and stopped only a few feet from where Shalyra stood.
''She had no right to have such a scandalous union in the first place. How do you think that would have affected our family? Father had many ears and eyes about the city, better he heard it from me then from someone else. At least I was the one to be rewarded for the effort'' Aelinn scowled at Korianthil, wondering why he had not come to that logical conclusion himself instead of bothering her with his comments.
Plink Plink
Shalyra, dressed in the tattered remains of her robe was trembling but it was not because of the cold. Her hand gripped a knife tightly. Anuriel and Korianthil spoke some more, her sister's back was clearly within reach. Shalyra took a step closer, she stood on the edge of the shadows, her dagger aimed at her sister's heart.
The rain suddenly picked up, falling in droves, instantly drenching everything. Her eyes blurred by the water Shalyra thrust her knife forward with all her strength.
But all she managed to do was to make a tear in her sister's cloak, the couple had already turned and fled at the onset of the downpour. Anuriel, content to have at least tried to look for her sister and thus convincing herself of having made an effort, knew nothing of the attack. The only thing on her mind presently was the comforts of her palatial home. Later on she would suspect the cut in her cloak was because she had snagged it while running.
Shalyra stood motionless in the rain, her robe clinging to her body and her red hair plastered to her skin. Her hands clutched the knife so hard her knuckles were bone-white. No drops of rain dared touch her eyes. They burned with hatred long into the night.
Whatever hope she had of returning to her old life was completely and irrevocably gone. She understood then that everything she had cared for had been a lie. However, Shalyra did not simply lie down and die. She would fight for her survival and come out ahead.
(edits on request of author.)
Founded April 26, 2005