Freedom

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Never had she known that their was so much beauty, besides the tunnels of the underground city. Elmaryia only hoped that she was not to broken inside to enjoy it. Part of her longed to go back to the familiarty of Haroloth, at least their she knew what she was. Part of her still felt like a caged bird, but only in a bigger cage. What if she could not adjust to this life? What if the torment and the memories consumed her? Unlike most young girls approching womanhood she was not blessed with a child hood, nor the bliss of innocence.

You may be broken but you will heal. Go leave me. While your freedom is life mine is death, and after being in Haroloth I welcome it. Those were the last words that she heard from her sister, when she was alive. Now she was part of her, and Elmaryia would not let her go. She should have been stronger, she should have fought harder. Though Elloria was always the strong one. It was her plan to escape. Now instead of her sister she had this scar. That was the burden, the constant reminder that she bared, and bared it she would.

Humanity such a fragil thing, kindness and selflessness were all lies. Instead of in a room she was a prisoner of her memories. Oh how she loathed the dark elves, and her parents. If she had any who were they and why did they let what happen, happen?

With a slight frown she pulled the deed out of the pocket of her black cotton breeches. It was bloodstained from a dead corpse that she had found in the tunnels. She often scavanaged she was a survivalist and an oportunist and she made no appilogies for it. Too bad though she did not know how to read.

[Straylor Leonard]

OoC: I'll go ahead and set up the timestamp

Timestamp: Mid brightening of the Fourth Cycle of the Month of Aperitus. The Season is Summer of Era XIV Post Fractum.

The brightening was pleasing to say the least. It was mid-summer and each glorious moment seemed to be kissed by the gods themselves, blessed to be as beautiful as each goddess. A clear blue sky hung around the guarded city of Archdoon with little bits of clouds, but not enough to cast even the slightest hint of rain upon the Carmelyn. Such were the times made for the youth, it seemed, since many pairs and lovebirds were enjoying their time outside of Schola to gallivant around the city.

One such youth was an auburn-haired man who carried himself with an air of complete haughtiness. Of course, the maidens seemed to like that. He wore his clean white poet shirt with only a vest instead of his usual long jacket. His trousers matched the color of his military boots, which he cleaned and polished whenever he could. A single sheathed sword hung loosely about his belt, perhaps hinting of his skill as a swordsman. And to those who were passed him, they would turn an amused gaze after the lad who had a buckler strapped neatly on his back.

His dark orbs scanned the city streets, a soft smile placed on his countenance. He was but a tourist in this fair city, his home being in Trysvale for the time being. His heart, however, would only belong to the Emerald City of Medonia. No other place drew closer to his heart such as this.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

While others may have noticed him, at first Elmaryia did not. As a slave she learned quickly that if you noticed then you suffered repercussions. The young woman did not have the luxuary of being curious. For a long moment Elmaryia looked at the piece of parchment hoping that it would magically make sense to her. The young woman detested feeling helpess, especially now that she was free. She should have felt liberated and in controll.

Rasing her head she seen a man walking close to her. He seemed happy and at peace and sure of himself. Immediately she hated him and envied him. I wonder one day if I shall feel like that. Sure of myself and not a care in the world. Hell to even smile once, a genuine smile.

" Hey you. Do you know this city? I am lost and I can not follow these directions." It was better to lie then admit weakness. She hoped that her question would halt the smiling idiot. While her voice was soft their was a gruffness to it. Elmaryia never skilled with the manner of poiltness. What was not practiced could never be learned.

If the man stopped he would see that the voice belonged to a tall female human with a jagged scar on her right cheek that started from below her eye.

[Straylor Leonard]

Straylor was partially used to being randomly approached by city folk as he walked down equally random streets. He was a guard for many months in Medonia, and served similar positions during his younger years. Turning towards the source of his most recent admirer he flinched slightly at the sight of a scarred female who was a bit more jagged than he preferred.

He smiled nevertheless, nodding as he did so.

"I'm quite familiar", he confessed with a grin, "though I am a visitor just as yourself, miss ...?" He trailed off before offering his name. "Just call me Felix. Let me see those directions, maybe I can help."

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

While the stranger tried to hide his repulsion at seeing the scar, Elmaryia seen it. She was used to the strange and looks of people. If she was vaine she may have cared. Though even with the scar she was pretty just had a hardness about her. The man appeared sure and confident and even a little full of himself. Ah the luxury of the non misused and rich and happy.. The woman thought with a frown.

" Well I see that I do not meet your expectations. Not that I give a damn. Expecting a beautiful damsel in distress?" Elmaryia asked sarcasticly. " Well I will not take too much of your time, so that you can get to the girlies. I just need to know the directions to this place."

The young woman was not much of a conversationalist,and with her new found freedom she often practiced the luxury of speaking her mind.

[Straylor Leonard]

Straylor frowned. Quite visibly, actually. But unlike his most recent admirer, he was a particularly skilled conversationalist. Not that it mattered, of course. But he figured that a little boost of his self esteem was in order.

"Um, yes...", he replied before stealing a glance at the piece of parchment in her hand. He regarded it for a moment, attempting to decode the odd handwriting on it. After a few moments, he looked up at the nearest landmark he recognized before nodding down the street, towards the residential districts of Archdoon. "It's that way", he added, "I believe this is an apartment? Not sure, though. Pardon me, miss, but would you like something to drink first? I've been walking all morning." He smiled warmly before looking around for a tavern or inn.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

She never understood the need for poiltness. In Halgorath she was often told what to do, and not asked. Though still she had not eaten anything in a day. It was strange how he invited her for a drink. Though her coin was scarce. " If you are buying then yes. I think that should make us even for the disaproving stare. All of the money that I came into went to training in hand to hand. After all with a pretty face like this, people may be swayed to think that I am tough. Which I am but blood is so hard to wash out of clothes." Elsmaryia said with faint sarcasim.

It was better to give the illusion of toughness then the truthness of weakness. How she wished that she could read, then she could find her house her own damn way. Now she had to suffer the company of another. The young woman now had to pretend that she fit in, but she was used to adorning masks. It was the masks that insured her survival, and she had survived.

" Lead the way then. I am quit thursty I think a tankard of fine dwarven whisky will do me good. I do not do well with people, so I fear that I will not be much of a conversationalist." She said as she walked leading the way. " Not that I think with you I will get a word in edge wise." Elsmaryia said with faint humour.

[Straylor Leonard]

Straylor nodded, leading the way to the only Tavern he knew in the city: the Trade Pavillion Inn. It was on the northern end of the Pavillion, among the cleanest and best kept stores were lined there. Among them were several restaurants and other shoppes.

Constructed almost entirely of wood, merchandise is lined up inside one of the immaculately clean windows. A double-take reveals that the store is also a Tavern, and further investigation will soon reveal that this place is also an Inn. The strange combination of the three enterprises is intriguing, to say the least.

An investigation of the storefront reveals an arched doorway leading into a single square room, where merchandise is divided up by category. Rows upon rows of shelves cover the floor, and while one side was filled to bursting with every type of camping equipment, equestrian tack and care items, and even a few weapons, the other side of the store revealed food. Salted meats, vegetables, spices, herbs, even some fruit and breads could be found here, along with a few more exotic foods likely not seen anywhere else. Along the back wall runs a long counter, where a doddering (or at least he seems to be) old man sweeps the floor, smiling graciously at any newcomers. It is nearly impossible to guess at his age, as his slanted dark eyes and olive skin make him seem younger than he truly is. The only indication of his age is a head full of snowy white hair which seems to be balding ever so slightly. He keeps a sharp eye out on anyone who enters so as to avoid troublemakers and thieves.

Along the side of the building lies the entrance to the Tavern, where young, dark-haired girls move silently and swiftly between low-standing tables lined up along the floor. Luscious and tempting scents of food emanate from the kitchen as patrons sit in quiet respect on overly stuffed crimson cushions. One of the girls comes to greet you, smiling sweetly as the family resemblance to the old man minding the store makes itself known. Armed with the same quiet demeanor, her dark, slanted eyes narrow slightly as her smile graces her face, her hands clasped together before her. Her dress, a slim crimson affair stitched with various unintelligible embroidery, is tied at the waist as her wooden sandals clop merrily along the floor, carrying her over to greet you.

"Moshimoshi, etoranze. Serale, stranger. My name Kimi. Do you seek food or a room?"

(Written by Gryffin.)

Straylor waved at the familiar hostess and she, recognizing him, waved in turn.

"Just a table for two", he said before they were escorted and given a series of parchment that were noteably written on. It didn't help the former slave that a menu was also written on the wall behind the bar. But still not noticing Elma's illiteracy, Straylor glanced at the menu before raising his hand to signal a nearby waitress.

"Medonian Red, please and ... dark rum for the lady", he then turned towards Elma and added, "sorry, they don't carry any dwarven whiskey. What did you want to eat?"

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

In truth Elsmaryia half expected the man not to follow her. That he did changed her hatred to mild dislike. Following him into the tavern, Elsmaryia was overwhelmed by the scents and the sounds. For a moment she closed her eyes and smiled softly. This was the scent of freedom, and she would be damned if she did not over indulge herself.

Taking the piece of parchment that was no use to her she frowned slightly and followed Straylor's lead. Sitting down she pretended to look at the menue. It bothered her that she could not make sense of words. It made her feel weak and dumb. Two things that she was not. Placing it on the table she ran her finger against the list. Stoping at a word that said fish. " I think I will have the chicken, and dark rum is fine." She said to the waitress when she returned.

When she left she turned her gaze back to the stranger that sat across from her. " My name is Elmaryia Grey, are you just visiting here? I like it here the sounds and the smells are pleasing." She knew that it was imposible but she felt that her senses were hightened. The smells here were far pleasing then the smell of rotting flesh and mould in the tunnels of Halgorath.

[Straylor Leonard]

"I'll have the same", Straylor smiled at the waitress and she noted their orders before proceeding. "Rum ay?", he added before chuckling softly. "Never knew a girl that fancied that stuff. Guess I do now." He smiled again before shaking his head. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Grey", he continued after Elsa's introduction, "and yes, I am a visitor. Nice city, though, but it doesn't beat my home in Trysvale."

After her comment about the sounds and smells, Straylor's eyes narrowed for a moment out of sheer curiosity. He's never heard someone talk about common inns like that before. What was it about this woman before him? She had an air of mystery, something that Stray couldn't quite put a finger on. "Yes, I rather enjoy taverns. But I highly recommend Trysvale if you enjoy the food here. It's not that far away, actually. The food there is fresh each brightening, and the fish. It's something worth traveling for." He grinned again before allowing Elsa to talk some more if she wanted.

Moments later, the same waitress arrived. She seemed a little more happy to see Straylor, however, and simply placed the plate in front of Elsmaryia. Their meal consisted of roasted chicken legs, a thigh, with some green vegetables to match. It smelled vaguely of ginger and onions and some other seasoning that hinted of its saltiness. A second later, the waitress returned with a small bottle of Red wine for Stray and a tall mug of dark rum for Elsmaryia.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

At the miss, Grey she raised an eyebrow as she took the mug of dark rum to her lips. Elmaryia is fine. Never was one for formailties. Ah yes I always did prefer the stronger stuff. I do enjoy the bitterness of it. Wine is far to sweet." She said with a smile.

" I have not been their, but I do plan on travelling everywhere. I want to see and experience everything." No longer is the birds wing's cliped and in the confines of a cage.

While she was not trained she did have a gift of reading people. Another way she survived the years of being a slave. Elmaryia was even faintly amused, by how Stray's was trying to figure her out.

" No matter how deep you look Straylor, you will not discover my secrets. I am highly skilled at it, unlike you who is transparent." She said with a little smirk as she took the sip of her rum. Placing the mug down she began to cut her chicken in little pieces. " Besides you being a half elf. You are over confident and a ladies man. You are quit sure of yourself and I bet you even payed a price once or twice for your over confidence. Over all you are content with your life but thurst for more. How am doing so far?" She asked as she brought a fork to her lips with chicken on it.

" Oh and thank you for the meal. I do not take kind to charity nor do I expect it but thank you."

[Straylor Leonard]

"Charity?", Straylor responded sounding a little more than amused now. He couldn't hardly take any offense from the lady. She was a secret-keeper, hmm? Or else, she thought of herself as such. That in itself was enough to keep Stray interested, even though her guesses were mostly incorrect thus far.

"As for your previous references to my character", Stray continued between bites of his own meal, "you got as far as ladies man." He chuckled well-naturedly before shaking his head, "I am no half elf, nor have I ever paid so much as a silver for my over confidence. Thrust for more, however, comes a little closer at my personality." He smiled then took a sip of his Medonian Red.

"As for your secrets", Straylor continued with another fair chuckle, "I desire neither to gain access to them or fully know them, Elmaryia, I was just wondering how you got that scar... you said something about learning hand to hand? May I humbly suggestion another pathway? Sword to hand may be a bit more useful in a tight spot."

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

OOC: GM Soldier gave me permission to self mod this. I am moding her getting to know part of her mothers history. The only gift that will be given is a rose silver pendant on a chain that has no magical properties. Gm Soldier is keeping an eye on this thread.


When he told her that most of her presumtions were wrong, she frowned lightly. " Well I said that it was a gift, perhaps it is rusty." Elmaryia said with a smirk. Though when he laughed at her she frowned. " Good I was just making it clear. You do not have to laugh at me."

At the mention of the scar she frowned and looked away shyly. " It is quite the conversation piece isent it? I took a knife to the face. It may not win me a beauty contest, not that I give a damn. Beauty is such a frivilious and unlasting thing. I would rather be intellegent, then a pretty idiot."

After she said this she took another bite of the chicken, once it was chewed she took a napkin and dabbed her mouth.

" I never was one for swords. I may get trained later on. But I would rather use my fists then a blade that can break."

She was about to say more until she noticed someone looking at her. It was a grey haired woman dressed in a white tunic and matching breeches. It seemed as though she was studying her.

Elmaryia felt uncomfertable under the strangers gaze. With a smile the woman walked to the table. " Sereal dear. This may sound odd but you look like someone I know, and she is expecting you. Would you please come with me?"

Elmaryia looked at the woman with confusion. She knew no one in the city. " Who is this woman? I know no one in this city. Other then my womanizing friend hear."

Serenna decided to cut with the chace. The woman that she was taking care of was searching for her daughters. She had spent alot of coin on finding their ware abouts. Though fate sometimes worked in one's faviour. " It is your mother. She is hear and dying."

The news struckl a cord inside of her, if it was true then perhaps someone did care enough at one time. Her brief moment of happyness was cut by the realization that her mother, if what the nurse said was true had lost them in the first place.

For a moment she forgot about Staylor. " Liar I do not have a mother, and if I did she is a wretched person to have lost us or sold us to the Dark elves. No a mother would have faught harder. I was a slave for eighteen years. I was beaten starved and treated like a dog. A mother does not allow that to happen. If she is dying and what you say is true I hope it is a long and painful death." Elmaryia growled.

At the young woman's response the nurse frowned. " What I said is true and it was not her that gave you up. She was forced here." With that said she took out two pieces of parchment. Looking at one Elmaryia seen an older woman who vivedly resmbled her.

" That is your mother, and she has experienced much sorrow due to the loss of her children. The second is a the address to her one room hovel in the city. For the goodness of Diana come. Though if you do come, come soon her life force is flickering." With that the nurse left.

" Well she could have told me, where the damn house was. Bloody good this does to a person who cant read." With that said she turned her head up and looked at the man across from her. " Oh and just because I can not read does not mean I am dumb, nor weak."

Placing the pictures in the folds of her black cloak she then took a bite of chicken. " We will go after our afternoon meal. If she is so intended on seeing me, she can wait a few more moments to die. Gods know I have wanted her for a life time."