It All Began in Renovamen

[FaithWynters]

As the sun touched the horizon once more there was a stillness that passed over the forest and the town that was nestled amongst the trees. The quiet calls of birds and the barking of dogs could be heard, but if one looked hard enough past the thick darkness that covered the forest, one could see movement on the edge of the trees. She had waited for this moment, as exhaustion pulled at her eyes and threatened to bring her far past sleep, almost two hours. Now, it would be much more safe to walk the small distance to the buildings and be unnoticed.


Her exhaustion could have been avoided completely at the risk of being captured. The railway ran a distance of only a fifteen minutes’ walk from this city. It was large and had profited greatly by its manufacture. A day and a half

of walking through unknown terrain and facing the dangers of the landscape could have been only a three hour ride to this station. As tired as she was, she knew that such a thing had to be done. That would keep the mercenaries off her trail, for they would assume that she had taken the train and had gone much farther than this town.


As she took her first few steps out of the darkness, she realized that it had been a good choice to walk. The town was large enough that no one would ask questions to a traveler—hooded or otherwise—and she could find a place that use the pouch of coins and gems to buy her a place to sleep for the night. The problem, would be finding the place to sleep in the first place. Most taverns had rooms for rent above for their drunken customers, which she would be fine with attending, but she would have to first find a tavern that was legitimate. She didn’t have time to wake up and her things be gone or to be kidnapped by some sort of smuggling ring. It was nothing she had seen before, but the expanse of her library was quite wide and each book had been read. She knew a few horrible things about towns like this; she would have to be suspicious of everyone.


As the light from the city fought away the darkness, and she drew near the cobblestone streets and the sounds of people shuffling about, she knew that she would be safe—if even only for a little while. Her appearance probably looked a little rough. Her cloak’s hood was pulled up so that her face may be cast in shadows, but beneath the hood was a mess of beautiful long blonde hair entangled in a never-ending battle with leaves, twigs, and dirt. The end of the cloak was tattered and worn. Her skin was covered in a mixture of dirt and sweat that made it stick to itself. Her hands were bruised, and her legs were covered in scratches. She had stolen a pair of her brother’s trousers, but even they were ripped and torn to the point that damaged skin could be seen. She could not get away from the gritty feeling that covered her body. Another thing she would find herself grateful for would be a bathing tub.


She had been sure to cut the royal emblem from the peak of her cloak’s hood. That would have been a dead giveaway that she was either a thief or royalty. She couldn’t afford to be either. The only problem was the small drips of water that would now run down her face when it rained. That was fine, but it had only rained enough the first night to keep her from sleeping and to muddy up the areas beneath the trees.


It only occurred to Eleanor, as her sore feet pressed against the cobblestone of the new city—of Renovamen—that there would be no turning back to her old life. She was no longer the princess of her beautiful kingdom, but a young woman wanted by the man who had raised her since birth.


She didn't dwell on such a thought, for she was afraid of what might happen to her if she were found. There was no way she could go back to the castle, and with each step, she squeezed the thought to silence. There were few people around outside, but the lights within the buildings told ehr that this place was not deserted. Since she had no real understanding of where she might need to find herself, she simply began walking. Her goal was to find some sort of vendor that may be able to lead her in the direction of a tavern where she could have a pint of ale and get some food in her belly. Even at the thought, her stomach groaned in protest to being ignored for so long.

 

[PeaceFu1]

As the sun dipped below the horizon, many regular patrons of the Lions Head tavern began to spill through it's front doors and the laughter and coversations began, albeit slowly as glasses of ale were drained. The Lions Head common room was quite large and open room set with many tables and booths set against the walls, as well as a large bar area that encompassed the entire back wall except for the staircase that worked it's way up to the second story where the guest rooms were located.


On the right side of the room nestled in his normal seat directly in the corner sat a young man of about twenty eight years of age, lean and fit. His face adorned with a thick, short cut and neatly trimmed beard and short brown hair. The most striking aspect of his appearance aside from the royal blue dyed leather jerkin and finely crafted long sleeve white shirt and pants which showed not even a spec of dirt or mud, we're his bright violet eyes a sight that not a single by passers-by would miss.


The man, Albion La'Krain sat quietly on the stool flashing a warm smile at the young girl with curly red locks and a large amount of freckles dotting her rosey cheeks who approached his table happily.


"Mister Albion , you wantin' your usual?"


Albion gave the young girl, Melody, daughter of the taverns owner Gillard, a soft nod as he reached behind him with his right hand into a pouch on his waist retrieving several silver coins that he extended towards her.


"Keep the change darling and ask your dad if he has anymore Maruvian red stored somewhere."


Melody flashed him a smile before skipping away back towards the bar area.


Albion reclined back against the wall closing his eyes as he took in the sounds around him while he waited for Melody to return with his nightly meal.

 

[FaithWynters]

"So I just go ahead until I meet a curve in the street?" The words poured softly out of her mouth as she peered through the darkness. Soon after the light was cast on her, Eleanor had decided that it might be better if her face could be seen. People might be more apt to help her if they could see the beauty that peered past the dirt and grime. They would pity her small form as it was swallowed up by the darkness around them, and they would help her. She was at one of these points right now. It was an elderly gentleman, half drunk and on his way home to his wife, who had decided to stop as she sat on the fountain at the center of town. It had all began as he asked her if she needed help. No one else had been willing to help her without the assistance of monetary gain as an incentive. Eleanor knew that she had to save all of the money she could, so she unhappily had to decline their assistance. He had stopped, smiled at her, and asked if she was lost. There had probably a one in a million chance of someone stopping for her, but it seemed that the fates had aligned. The thanked the gods for that, as she listened to his instruction.


"Yes, Miss." He gave a half-lidded nod. "You're looking for the Lion's Head Tavern." She nodded quickly to him and he gave her a bow. “It is the safest place on this side of the city for liquor and a place to sleep” He once again pointed in the direction she needed to go. It was an odd way of meeting someone, for they had never exchanged names, but now, before they even truly knew each other, they would part ways once again. "May the gods guide you on your journey, Miss." He smiled again before turning and walking off in the opposite direction. She smiled softly, but did not respond to the words that had passed him by.


When she was sure that the man was gone, she turned back toward the fountain. She could see the shine of coins as they lay calmly at the bottom of the water. Her reflection shone clearly and she slowly began picking some of the twigs from her hair, dropping them onto the ground lazily. Her eyes were half closed as she attempted to straighten out her hair. She knew that looking like a mess would surely draw other's attention. The only problem was the fact that she had no way of changing clothes or washing her face.


Eleanor was trying to not dwell on everything that was happening, so, as she picked the last stick out of her hair, she pulled herself off of the edge of the fountain and began walking down the stone street. The buildings around her slowly had their lights snuffed out as the night began to drag on and people went out for drinks or fell asleep in their beds. Many shops were already closed and there was very little movement that could be seen. Every once in a while, the sound of stray animals or a carriage would catch her attention, but it only took her a few minutes to walk the length of the street until it began to curve.


It was then that she saw the building. It was larger than the rest of the buildings around it. While many shot up into the sky and towards the gods like this one, others did not spread out in the way this did. Rather than having a square first floor, the base was rectangular. The large and embellished sign read The Lion's Head Tavern. She just hoped that they would have a room that she could stay in.


She didn't stand outside watching for long. Instead, she walked quietly up to the doors. The sounds from inside could be heard as she neared the entrance. There was only pause enough for a deep breath. Open the door swung as she pushed it. She held her eyes away from all others as she made the walk across the room to a table that seemed to be in an area that was mostly deserted. Even though she had been on her own for the past two days, she still wanted to be left alone. She knew the concequences of being found out by one of the villagers. There would be no doubt in her mind that these people would return her to her father for the reward that was promised—they could live easily the rest of their lives.


The noise that she had heard on the other side of the door seemed to quiet a little as she entered, but she was almost completely positive that it was just her conscious making her think that. She tried not to think. Instead, Eleanor relaxed back the chair she had come to sit in and waited for a barmaid to come around. Although made of wood, she was almost certain she could sleep in the chair and she let her eyes close to rest as she waited.

 

[PeaceFu1]

A momentary pause in the sounds of the tavern, it was only a heartbeat but Albion picked up on it his eyes opening slowly as he leaned forward. In walked a young woman, she wasn't a resident of the town that he was sure of. He watched her walk across the tavern to a less occupied area and take a seat, the mud and other signs that she'd not come by the railway spoke just enough to let Albion know that she had been traveling through the wilderness. He focused on her for a long while watching her practically fall asleep in her chair before Melody came sliding up to his table the serving tray in her left hand carrying a large bowl of venison stewed with fresh carrots and potatoes and a platter of buttered rolls. In her right hand she carried a bottle that appeared black in the light and a small glass which she set down first.


"Pa said you're going to drink him out of his good stock." She quipped cheerfully before she reached for the bowl of stew.


Albion raised his hand stopping her, causing Melody to give him a puzzled look.


"You see that young lady over there?" Asked Albion nodding towards the newcomer.


"Yeah, I've not seen her round here before." Melody said still a bit confused, but eying her suspiciously.


"Well love, be a dear and take that food over there. She looks as though she needs it a lot more than I do."


"Are you sure?" Melody questioned drawing a soft nod from Albion. Melody tossed him a quick smile before she scampered off towards the young woman's table.


Albion turned his attention to the dark bottle grabbing it with his right hand and using his free hand to remove the cork set in the neck of the bottle. It gave a satisfying pop before he tipped it forward pouring himself a full glass. Slowly he set the bottle down and raised the glass top his lips inhaling deeply. The aromas of sweet oak, cherries, and a subtle smokey scent filled his nostrils before he took a long swallow nearly draining the glass.


Melody slid up to the young woman's table sliding the bowl of stew and platter of buttered rolls down in front of her. "Here you go miss! Courtesy of mister Albion in the corner over there, he said you looked like you needed a good meal and by the gods it looks like you've been through something rough! The names Melody, can I get you something to wash that down with?"

 

[FaithWynters]

In the short time she had awaited the barmaid, her body had begun to shut down. It was slow at first, and she fought it with all her might. Her eyes would close and her muscles would begin to relax just enough to where her head would begin to fall forward. She would always snap awake with a lurch of her heart and stomach. There would be no stopping it, and she knew that. Her best bet would be to get a good meal and turn in for the night. Then, she would be moving once again in the morning in an attempt to keep out of sight. She just hoped there would at least a bowl to wash herself in once she found herself safe in the room.


The sound of something sliding across the table made Eleanor open her eyes. A young woman, probably younger than she, was placing items on her table. Had she ordered? Her mind was foggy, yes, but she was almost certain that she had not. Before she could ponder the question upon the young woman, it was answered. There was a moment of fear that struck through her. Had someone already found her out? Had they been waiting for her? Surely they did not already know that she was here. The muscles in her stomach tightened, but they slowly loosened. No. There was no way they could already know.


The only way that Eleanor would be able to play this off would be to smile. It was something she had done through harsh situations all her life, and now, as she peered past the young woman to the man who was now enjoying his own drink, a small smile spread across her lips. He was just being nice like the gentleman from before.


“I assure you I can pay” She was very used to being handed things for free. It was a simple life for her, and it was very tempting to take the meal and go about her business without even thinking of offering up coinage for it. Maybe it was just how tired she was, but as the girl’s face shifted slightly to a look of unknowing, she let the matter slide—for now at least. There would be so many more things that she would have to pay for later.


“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Melody.” Her voice was a little more tired than normal, but she could still be pleasant to the girl. “If you could just bring me whatever kind of cider you’ve got?” As much as she had thought about getting ale, she really was in no mood to deal with the mess that came with it. Ale was so thick that one had to strain it through their teeth to drink it—if it wasn’t good. She wasn’t looking for anything good, though, she just needed something to waken her up a bit. “And tell Mister Albion if you speak with him that I share my gratitude” The girl nodded eagerly and Eleanor couldn’t help but look down to the soup. The smell had made her mouth water since it had been slid onto the table.


She couldn’t wait any longer; she just picked up her spoon, and began eating. Although she was very hungry, she tried to eat as delicately—yet as quickly—as possible. Her stomach felt like it might try to eat itself, and she let out a quiet hum as she took a bite of one of the rolls. Unsure of whether it was the truth or if she was just that hungry, Eleanor could swear this meal was the best she had ever eaten. Once she got the first few bites down, she slowed slightly to enjoy the aromas and the flavors. She was very aware that, at any point, eyes could be watching her. For this reason, she was very careful to not eat too much like a lady, and she had to admit, it wasn’t hard.

 

[PeaceFu1]

Albion's eyes didn't linger on the girl for to long, instead his attention was mostly focused on the drink in front of him. It didn't take him long to empty half of the bottle and the effects were swiftly incoming. The warmth of the cool alcohol filling his body making a little him a little inhibited. Off in the distance he could hear as a train horn whistled meaning the last run had just come into the station.


There was a loud bang and an uproar across the other side of the tavern that drew his attention to a group of men who had been gambling. One of the men, large and stocky with a burly black beard and a bald head was now standing, mug of ale in hand, and looking quite furious.


"Yer a cheatin' bastard Ratfoot!" Bellowed the large man known as Rock, nicknamed that because he was built like stone but about as intelligent.


The smaller man known as Ratfoot was a tiny red headed man with more than a few missing teeth. "You would say that, I got your money fair and square. Just accept that and sit down biggun'. The drinks are on me you big oaf."


At the mention of more ale Rock seemed to settle down taking his seat once more. The tavern settled down moments later all of the patrons going back to their conversations.


Albion heaved a heavy sigh as he filled his glass once more taking both the glass and the bottle up into one hand as he stood. His legs felt a little weak beneath him and he did quite well not to stumble as he slowly made his way over to the strange woman's table. He didn't as permission to sit before he did so setting the glass and bottle down on the table. After he brought his eyes up from it to her he finally got a good look at her for the first time. She was quite pretty, even underneath the mud and grime of the road.


"So where might you be coming from looking so roughed up my dear?" Asked Albion in between sips from his glass. He never really gave her a chance to talk before he spoke up again. "Excuse my rambunctiousness, my name is Albion La'Krain." He gave a subtle bow without ever leaving his seat although it looked less like a bow and more like he was about to fall out of his chair.

 

[FaithWynters]

The tender venison—two words that Eleanor never thought she would hear outside of the castle—was enjoyed with every bite. This was a soup that was made often and with love. It was a nice distraction from the shape she was in and the problems that she would be dealing with sooner than she wanted. Her cider came in a large mug and she was thankful for the quantity. She took a large mouthful when it came to the table and only paused for a moment to thank the girl for her assistance. Her plan of asking for a room when she came around with the cider had been lost with the meal and the thoughts that hung heavily on Eleanor’s mind.


She was drawn from these thoughts by the harsh sound made across the room. Jumping slightly, eyes cast across the room to see what the problem was. A long line of fear struck through her, and she couldn’t keep herself from pressing closer to the chair. When she realized that the noises were only from some of—what she assumed to be—the regulars, her eyes were once cast down toward the bowl that she ate from. She listened carefully to their words and tried to keep from glancing up too often. She was relieved when the noise finally settled and she was left in peace once again.


The few moments that she had lost interest in the world around her and simply enjoyed the rest and food was the time in which the gentlemen decided he would make his way over to her. She glanced up only momentarily as the sound of the bottle drew her away from the bite she had been taking. Her jaw tightened slightly, but she tried to continue the expression of impartiality towards him. Never in her life had she been approached by another without announcement or consent from herself. It was something that burned inside of her as the man made the table his own and began talking. The smell of liquor wafted across the table toward her, and she took another large gulp of her cider.


It was now, as he spoke, that she took in his features. The first thing that caught her attention was his eyes. She made the best effort not to look at them for too long before dipping her head back toward her meal. His clothes were clean and seemed to be well made. The dyes that were used told her that he was probably living quite comfortably. These were all assumptions, and as she continued to eat, she let the silence drag on for a moment. Most of the meat and vegetables were gone, so now, she took to sopping up the juices with the rolls that still sat on the table.


This would be the part that she had not really been ready for. While she had learned how to lie quite easily to her father, she was unsure how believable her lies would be to others. If this conversation went south, she had no knife or weapon to defend herself with and she would be forced to continue on her journey before she got a chance to rest. It did help calm her slightly at his half-drunken clumsiness. At least he wouldn’t be as agile on his feet as she would be.


“I travel the forest looking for mushrooms to sell and trade.” The words were simple, and she leaned back slightly to watch his reaction to her words. She had already made up her mind that she would not offer her name unless he specifically asked for it. Her mind still spun as she tried to think up a good name for when the question did arise. She took another bite of soggy roll and began hoping he wouldn’t ask. She was sure her name would be known here and if word had reached other lands that the princess had run away, everyone would be looking in hopes of finding their chance at riches.

 

[PeaceFu1]

Though he was getting more drunken with each continued glass Albion gave her response pause. He eyed her for a moment arching his eyebrow "Mushrooms you say? Aside from the few and far between truffles around here and it is late season for them you'll find nothing but death caps and mushrooms that'll make you sicker than a dog."


Slowly he leaned back in the chair, it was obviously lie and he knew it. For a few heartbeats he sat tapping his fingers on his glass his eyes never leaving her. As he raised his glass it finally came full circle in his mind, he had seen her before, albeit only in sketches. If he were correct and he believed that he was this young girl Eleanor, had plenty of reason to lie to everyone she met.


A smile escaped his lips as he pushed himself up from the chair slowly making his way around the table passing her by, pausing only for a moment to whisper in her ear. "Exercise the utmost caution in your travels, even in this city there are wanted posters with your likeness sketched on. Your father is offering an extraordinary amount of gold to the person who finds you, though I'm sure you are aware."


When he took a straighter posture he tossed her a wink as he made his way towards the back of the tavern to one of two doors labeled for the restrooms, his drinks having run straight through him.


•○●○•


The train could still be heard in the distance as it barreled down the tracks heading on to the next city. In the dim light of the now closed station stood three men of larger builds, each of them carried on their back large bladed swords and they were cloaked from head to toe in finely crafted black cloaks. The tip of each hood, even in the dim light showed a royal insignia, but it was nearly impossible to make out.


The man on the left looked towards the center man before he spoke. "So do you think she stopped here?"


The man in the center looked back at him, "It's a possibility, we've got men scouting every stop. If she's here someone is bound to have seen her."


From his right spoke the third man, "so where to?"


The group leader smiled towards both of his companions, a sadistic and wicked grin. "We go to the Lions Head Tavern, get some hard whiskey and inquire about our dear princess." With that he took a step forward and never slowed on his way towards the tavern and unknowingly the girl they were searching for.


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[FaithWynters]

There was the smallest gap in their conversation. Eleanor could feel her heart beating so hard in her chest that she could hear it in her ears. The pause was so slight, that she thought he may have been forming some sort of small talk to show some faux interest in her trade. She had hoped that he would at least be unknowing of the seasons for the local fungus. She only knew enough about them to know that, when the season was right, they could be seen dotting the countryside in beautiful earthen tones.


Her jaw tightened with his words and she tried so hard to formulate some sort of response that could warrant her being in the trade for death caps. There were very few uses for them—if any—that weren’t some sort of ungodly trade. Assassins used them sometimes to kill their targets. Eleanor had read about that in a book. Brewers sometimes used them for dark brews. She could formulate no words in the time that they sat in silence, his eyes locked on with hers in a way that she dared not look away from. It would have been confirmation of the lie. Instead, he picked himself up without a response and walked around the table. The words that were whispered in her ear sent a chill through her.


The uncertainty that flowed through her blood, and the fear of what might happen, were both feelings that made the venison soup not seem like such a good idea. She did not know what he had gone for, but as she heard his footsteps disappear, she glanced back. Was this his way of giving her a head start? There was gold on her head. Such an amount would probably be the root of all evils within a man. Would he turn her in? Probably. No matter how comfortable such a life would be, more gold would allow for added luxuries.


The whistle of the train drew her out of her thoughts. She had two options. She could made her exit here and continue on through her journeys, or she could try to stay the night here. If she could pay the keep enough in bribe money or gems, he might be willing to look past any inquiries. No. That wouldn’t work. A quiet groan escaped her lips. This meant another night sleeping in some tree and hoping not to be found by ravenous animals.


“Is there anything else you might like, miss?” Once again she was drawn from her thoughts. The smiling face of the curly-haired girl sent another unsettling feeling through her. Surely the bounty on her would provide her family a comfortable enough living that she might be able to go to an etiquette school. Eleanor tried to return the smile on her face.


“No, I think I might just finish my cider and enjoy the atmosphere of your wonderful little tavern.” Smiling was growing to be difficult, but it seemed that the girl didn’t notice.


“Alright! I’ll be around if you need anything.”


“Thank you, Melody.” The name passed softly through tired lips, and before Eleanor knew it, the girl was gone. There was no chance of staying here tonight. She would have to continue on and hope to make it to some smaller town—one where the railroad had not touched—to sleep. Silently, she untied the pouch on her hip and fished around for coins. It was quite heavy, for she had not used any of the money yet. Unknowing to the actual price of her drinks and meals, she dropped some gold on the table, and began retying the pouch to her hip. She needed to hurry, it didn’t take that long to go to the loo, and she wanted to be out of the tavern before he returned. A very unlikely thing, but a hope she would still try to fulfill.


Silently, she picked herself up from the table, pushed in the chair, downed the last bit of the cider in her glass and readjusted the cloak around her body. She was unsure if there was a back entrance, so she began walking silently toward the front door in hopes of taking her leave.

 

[PeaceFu1]

The three cloaked men could smell the delicious smell of food and the sounds of laughter and conversation before they entered the tavern. Most if not all of the patrons hushed down and stared hard at them. The silence seemed to last forever, but in reality it was only just a few short heartbeats. The leader of the group let out a hearty laugh as he slapped his companions on the back.


"Look at this boys, our job just got much much easier." He said taking a step forward towards Eleanor. "Now dear princess why would you run from home, your dear old dad has been worried sick about you." The words had barely left his mouth before he snickered.


"Now you'll be coming with us or there will be trouble." Spat one of the men at the door as he dropped back the hood of his cloak revealing his shaggy black hair that was tied into a high knot.


From behind Eleanor came a soft voice as Melody stepped in line between her and the big man. Filled with such fire the young girl stuck her finger right into the man's face and began yelling at him. "This is a peaceful establishment and me Pa's not one for allowing any sort of nonsense like this. You can sit yer arse down and order a drink and leave the payin' customers out of your problems or you and your boys can see yerself out o' the front door."


The big man looked down at Melody and his eyes seemed to well up with anger, how could such a commoner speak to him that way. He was after all a captain of his lords royal guard. He shifted slightly pulling back his right hand preparing to slap young Melody who never even flinched. With tremendous force he let fly his hand and it caught the young girl across the left side of her face sending her spiraling and tumbling to a whimpering heap on the ground.


Most of the patrons gasped and huddled back, though several stood at that moment seeming as if they wished to fight especially old Gillard who bound over the bar counter dagger in hand growling the whole time, but he was downed only a few short steps later by a small crossbow bolt sticking out of his leg. The unhooked man stood at the door arm leveled with a small hand held crossbow that was already loaded and ready to fire again. "Next one to move gets one in the face."


From behind Eleanor came another voice, calm and collective as Albion strolled out from the loo. "I can promise you gentlemen that whatever your intentions may have been, you have surely gone about it the wrong way." As he spoke he stole forward rolling up his sleeved to the top of his forearm, just below his elbows.


He glanced down towards Melody and extended his right hand, seemingly flicking it at her. There was a beautiful warmth that filled the room and the young girl ceased to whimper, she even began to slowly raise herself up tears streaming across her badly bruised face that had already begun to turn dark purple. "I can promise you gentlemen that you've made a terrible mistake placing your hand on that young lady."

 

[FaithWynters]

Eleanor kicked herself; the timing of her escape could never have been any worse. As her feet caused soft and dull noises and she made her way toward the exit, she was stopped by the door opening. Her heart sank; how could the royal guard already know where she was. For a moment, anger flared up inside of her as she assumed the man—that Albion man—had somehow alerted them. It was a very odd assumption, as he had hardly been gone five minutes, but it was one her mind made for the sake of finding a scape goat.


She stood there in silence, trying to formulate a plan as he spoke. His eyes burned sickening holes through her body as he watch her and she watched him. It seemed there would be trouble, for she would not be going peacefully with any of these men. They would have to drag her out of here kicking and screaming before they would take her with them. Before she could spout off the alliance she had to her freedom, a figure shot out in front of her. By the hair, the color of fire and the curls of an ocean’s wave, Eleanor knew who had stepped in front of her.


It was truly unclear if the girl was sticking up for Eleanor or if she was sticking up for her family and the place that was their livelihood. Eleanor only had to assume that it was for the establishment. The girl had courage—more courage than Eleanor herself probably had—and so it hurt to see the girl struck down like a dog on the floor. Actually, Eleanor’s initial response was anger and she went to take a step forward. These were her people. How could she stand by and let the men that worked for her father strike down the people that they should be working to protect?


They were not strictly outnumbered, but she would not allow them to fight for her cause. Countless men were out searching for her, and she wondered if it would have just been safer for everyone else if she just gave up and let them take her. Her anger bubbled up and she knew that she wouldn’t let herself be taken in. Even if it was better for everyone; she wasn’t just some child that had thrown a tantrum. What was about to happen was wrong.


Then she heard it, the voice of the man that had only a few minutes ago been sitting across from her at the table. She watched the men and did not turn. For a moment, she felt comforted and watched as the girl began to move once again. She tore her eyes away silently, her hands balled up into fists.


“What would father say if he knew you were abusing his people in such away?” She took another step toward the largest of the three: The leader. She wondered if he would dare lay a hand on her as he did the younger. Sometime told her that her father had given them permission to use ‘any means necessary’ and they would define that however they wished. “These people protect their livelihood and their princess from what they perceive to be three thugs, not noblemen.” There was a point in time where she thought her father cared about the people, but now, Eleanor wasn’t so sure. She had no weapons to defend herself with, or she would surely fight them for the sake of herself and these people.

 

[PeaceFu1]

"Your father cares not for these people you ignorant fool. Your father wants power and power he will have. Fear works just as strong as loyalty. As long as these common vermin stay out of our business they get to keep their lives, I think that's very merciful." He took a step back as he finished drawing his sword prompting his companions to do the same. Arm raised he leveled the blade at Eleanor's throat.


"You will come with us and if you resist," He paused for a moment to wave his blade from left to right. "They all die, all for ungrateful little Eleanor."


Albion had not slowed in his walk and was steadily approaching the leader of the group prompting him to shift his blade in his direction. "You'll be the first to die if you don't stop boy!"


Albion smiled softly towards the man, "wouldn't it be something if that were true." As he finished he placed a hand on Eleanor's shoulder and gently pushed her back behind him several feet. "I'll see these unwelcome patrons out."


The big man hoisted his weapon up high and with a grunt brought it heavily down towards Albion with a blow that would have surely split him in two, but so slow was the big man that Albion easily side stepped the blade as it slammed into the wooden floor tearing it apart and sending pieces of wood flying everywhere.


The big man seemed quite confused for a moment as Albion stepped forward and placed him right hand on his chest. In his mind Albion saw what magic users called the Weave, it was like a big magic blanket that encompassed the world and from that magic users pulled threads that they used to spin their own spells. It took only an instant, but the spell surged forth creating a concussive wave of pure energy the hit the big man with such force that it lifted him from the ground cracking bones as it propelled him straight into his companions sending them tumbling through the door and into the street.

 

[FaithWynters]

Throughout her childhood—and even though most of her teen years—Eleanor was a very impressionable person. She thought her father the saint of all things good and holy. Always had he provided her with the best education, food, and clothing. There seemed to be nothing that he could do wrong. Her father was a good man from the eyes of anyone who had been locked away most of their life. It was always Eleanor’s knowledge that her father fed his people, provided them with much-needed protections from the harshness of the environment, and allowed them—for the most part—freedom to do what they wished.


It was only recently, as her curiosity about government and ruling a kingdom began to truly evolve, did she see the horrors that he inflicted on his people. In the coming weeks, her father had transformed from being the best man she had known, to a wrongdoer that she could not stop.


Your father cares not for these people you ignorant fool.


That was the reason that she had left in the darkness of night. She had to get away from that, and it seemed that she would forever be followed by the life that she was born into. She no longer wanted to be princess of a place that was stamped into the ground by their ruler—even if that ruler was her father. Blood was still blood to he, and no matter what kinds of arguments they had endured due to her opposing opinion, she was still his daughter. Eleanor didn’t know what kind of punishment—if any—awaited her if she returned. That was a bridge she never wanted to cross.


For a moment, however, it appeared that she may have no other choice, but to go with these men. Then, everything seemed to simply happen. Everything in her seemed to tell her to stand up to these men, but when the hand gently pressed her body backwards, she complied. It was almost as if the guides were telling her that everything would work out as it should after such a confrontation. Once the violence had begun and ended faster than any of them expected, and the men were painfully sent out of the door, there was a moment of silence.


“You’re a magic weaver.” The words did pass Eleanor’s lips, but so quietly, that she could hardly hear it herself. Everything—well not quite everything—but some things began to fit together in her mind and she understood. She stood there, the silence surrounding all of them, in a little bit of a dumbfounded state. Would the other’s come back, or would they attempt to save their leader?


For now, she knew that the man—Albion—the magic weaver—would keep the men away. There were injuries that she could attend to. After all, the damage that had been caused both to the establishment and the people were her fault. No—she could not stay here much longer than she already had, but she would rather risk being captured than flitting out of the tavern like a coward.


“How does it fair, Melody?” The girl was still on the ground when Eleanor came near enough to offer her hands out to her. There was nothing she could do to really help the purple-blue face of her younger. The tears that had fallen down her cheeks were now only wet streaks, and as she rose to her feet, she cast the smallest of smiles to try and show that she was fine.


When the girl was up and walking, she hurried over towards the bar where the keep had been downed. His injury was a little more serious.

 

[PeaceFu1]

Albion tossed a quick glance back towards Eleanor, but it lasted only a heartbeat as he turned back towards the splintered door frame. He could hear the grunting of the man's companions as they freed themselves from the tangle of his unconscious form. Quick stepping forward he exited the tavern just as one of the men rose leveling his hand crossbow towards him Albion never flinched as he raised his right hand wagging his fingers as the man let fly the crossbow bolt. Several inches from his face the bolt collapsed in on itself, splintering as a blue ripple emerged from the point of impact.


"You should have run, should have just taken your companion and run far away and with godspeed. But now you've sealed your fate mister." As he finished the ground beneath the man turned black like tar and from it rose several fluorescent red and orange tentacles that grabbed and wound their way up his legs and torso.


The screams of the man as sharp concealed talens tore and dug at his flesh were blood curdling. Lines of crimson lifeblood streaked the tentacles as they slowly receded dragging the man down with them. He slammed his fists against the tentacles but to no avail, the Aether beast's hold was unnatural and aided by magic. It took several seconds but as the man's screams turned to gurgles and then silence as the black puddle disappated.


The man's companion stood in slack jawed silence, terror filling his eyes, body, and mind. He tried to stammer out a few words but seemed to choke on his tongue.


Albion looked towards the man seriousness on his face. "I'm giving you only one chance to grab your companion and leave. Should you return you'll join your departed companion. You will tell your king you watched Eleanor die, she fell into the nearby river as you pursued her. You will lie for your life because the nine hells would welcome another resident."


The man swallowed hard as he scrambled to grab his companion who was now coughing up blood that had begun to well up in his lungs from multiple punctures. He cared not as he drug him in the opposite direction of the tavern as swiftly as his muscles could muster.


Albion shook his head as he turned back towards the door. As he stepped through he drug his fingers across the frame and by the time he entered back into the tavern the door frame and door were completely entact once more. He stopped for a moment as the adrenaline began to subside and the alcohol in his blood hit him once more.


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[FaithWynters]

“I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused” The words were soft as she spoke to the man that lay on his side, trying to think of a way to get the bolt out of his leg. She already knew what would have to happen, and as she looked over his wound, she picked up the dagger that had been dropped near him on the floor. “I will compensate you well for your hospitality and—“


“Miss, there ain’t a need for compensation” A grunt escaped his lips as she cut a bit of cloth from the end of her trousers. They were hardly of any use to her anymore.


“Here’s the whiskey, Miss” The voice came from behind her and Eleanor looked up and smiled, taking the bottle from her.


“You might think differently when we’re done here” There was another groan as the man realized what the alcohol was for. Silently, she began cutting off the end of the bolt with the dagger. It wasn’t as efficient as she thought it might have been, but soon enough the end was gone and there was only about an inch sticking out of his leg on the opposite side.


“Can I at least get some o’ that liquor before you do it?” There was quiet chuckling from a few that were still watching. Everyone was simply trying to ignore the screams that came from outside. One particularly harsh one came from outside and made Eleanor flinch at the sound.


“That probably wouldn’t be a good idea.” She spoke quietly to the man, giving him a smiling glance. “It does have to come out though. “There was another groan. She just hoped that after this was all said and done, the man would be able to keep his pride. “This might help” She muttered quietly to herself as she picked up the dagger once more and placed the hilt in between his teeth. It would really be bad if this went sour and he ended up biting off his own tongue.


“Alright. On three, okay?” She gripped the long end with her hand, blood had already soaked into the wound. She would do this just as she did during practice. One hand on the base, one hand as close to the base on the bolt as she could go. One single tug and it would be free. She knew not to wait until three though as she warned. By three, the anticipation would cause him to tense the muscle and then the bolt would never come loose. There was another grunt in understanding and the man lay his head back so that it rested on the floor.


“One, Tw—“ As hard as she could, she pulled the wood from the man’s leg. By the time it came free, her hands were covered in blood, and the man was howling for mercy.


“You three, hold him down.” She pointed to a few men that were standing there, watching lack jawed at what their princess had just done. They rushed over quickly and made the man still. She recognized one of their faces from the outburst from earlier, but couldn’t worry herself with such things now.


“Just try to stay still. This may burn.” Before he could try to yank away, she let a waterfall of whiskey cascade down onto the wound in his leg. As of right now, this was the best thing they had to clean the wound. Another cry out in pain and the rigidness the man took on was enough to tell her that it was working.


“I’m sorry” She muttered as the man cursed every foul word she had heard—and some she hadn’t. Quickly tying the wound with the bit of trouser left the man with nothing more than the sting and a hole in his leg and he could be released.