Intro to the World

I couldn’t stay locked up another second more. Mother was driving me crazy with her suitor talk again and Father was talking duty. I could only take so much. Which is how I came to be found here, at this tiny, unused cellar door that leads out to the orchards. It is not the first time I’ve snuck out. With Fathers cloak, I’ve been strolling about at night for near a year.

My first stop? The village bakery. The patron of the shop always leaves me a treat on the back windowsill, an agreement once made when he delivered pastries to the castle and sought council with Father. He had spotted me a few times peeking in the window and that day told me that if I were about he’d surprise me. Most nights it’s my favorites, lemonkins or fruit buns, but tonight he left me something special, a cocoa sweetened wafer cookie. I munch down the treat as I walk the cobblestone road towards the lively tavern district. The music always intrigued me as well as the sounds of people being merry and jovial. Sometimes when my parents were away on business our kitchen staff would throw themselves a party and the sounds I now followed reminded me of those fun nights in the Keep’s bowels.

I approach the liveliest tavern from an alley and peer inside. The collection of strange looking individuals of all shapes and sizes is exciting. Normally I just watch. What’s a noble girl to do in a place like this. Gianna would say they’d eat me alive but I know that’s not really what she means. Surely, they’re not the ‘boil your children for stew’ kind. I hope so. A small tingle begins in my fingertips and I reach up to touch the glass. How I longed to be playing with the band. Erevan has taught me some tunes to play and says I can be quite good when I don’t worry about being perfect. He says he’s my guide, a voice in my head.

“What makes them so happy? They do not live in palaces or have a lady’s maid. Why are they singing and dancing like they’ve not a care?”

Everyone has their own version of happiness, for them, this is it.

The tingle grows into a longing and I can’t fight it anymore. For this first time in a year I’m entering that which I have watched from the sidelines. The excitement grows and I nearly take a step back but I move forward. I push open the door and the sounds of folly and farce escalate to near ear-deafening levels. I smile from under my hood, careful to conceal my robes and finery that would give away my station. A table in a corner lay empty. I slide into it with my back against the wall so I can keep the festivities in my purview.

A barmaid approaches my table and I steel myself for the impending interaction, reminding myself to keep it brief so as not to broadcast my station. It’s hard to fit in when you speak above the masses. One of the many things I’ve picked up from sneaking into Fathers council chambers.

“What can I get you, dear” She asks.

I stumble with my response. “Umm I don’t know.” I point at another woman and as what she is drinking, positive they do not have wine of my Parent’s caliber here.

“Ale it is, then.’ She quips and makes her way back to the bar.

I scan the room and take in as many details as I can. Cataloguing my surroundings as one who doesn’t expect to return would. I enjoy the pleasant and lighthearted fun the staff appears to be having. No dour faces of servitude I am accustomed to.

“I should like to try their positions someday, I’m not allowed to do anything for myself these days.” I think to Erevan. He doesn’t always return a response but I know he’s always there.

The server approaches with my ale and sets it down in front of me.

“1 silver piece, Miss.” She holds out her hand and I place a coin into it. I don’t really know the difference between the items in my coin purse so I hope I’m correct. She peers down into her palm and makes a solid nod. Must have been right. Scanning the crowd again and my sights catch of a group of 8 men and 2 women in an opposite corner eating and carrying on like fools. One in particular catches my eye. His tall human stature is topped with dark hair and eyes that crest a handsome face. He wears rough leather armor and a long burgundy cape.

I take a sip of the beverage I was brought and the regret is palatable, unlike this brew. I manage to swallow the drink. This is definitely nothing like our wine. Not that I particularly care for the wine either but a glass in social company is standard politeness. I attempt another sip. Not as utterly reviling as the first but still not pleasant. The group across the way carries on their follies and the man continues to command my attention. Never before have I felt such interest in another being. It’s strange and new; much like everything else this evening brings. I get the feeling I need a closer look and before I can consider the consequences I am jettisoned from my seat and approaching the member of the band who appears to be in the lead. “Request miss?” He asked.

Instantly I’m choked on what to say, I didn’t rehearse this like I would normally and instead I proclaim, “I wish to play with you.” I take out my ocarina. A gift from my Mother for my tenth birthday. Elegant scrollwork adorns the sides of it in golds and subtle shades of harvest colors. “I do not want a part of your earnings.”

“Of course, miss,” he nods, “you are welcome to try your hand.”

I begin playing one of the beautiful elven melodies Erevan had taught me. Everyone's attentions turn to me and I falter a fraction but then I regain my confidence knowing that this was a tune I have played a multitude of times. As I near the end I increase the intensity and begin another tune I had learned but this one much more lively. The band joins in and people begin dancing!

The stranger remains in my periphery and I can tell that I have caught his attention. As reckless as the act has been, I feel a culmination due. I finish my song and bow to the band leaving 5 more golden coins in the hand on the leader as a thank you. I stride back to my seat and another barmaind approaches with a goblet of wine.

“I thank you but I did not order this.” I attempt to slide it back to her.

“From the man in the burgundy cloak.” She replies and walks off. I take up the goblet and tip my head, a slight smile in thanks to the stranger. He smiles and nods back returning to conversation with his companions.

I take a sip of the wine and it’s much sweeter and fruitier than the previous beverage and goes down easy. One of the women leaves her companions and approaches my table. She is tall and as she gets closer I can see her skin tone is a soft green and she bears two small tusks peaking from behind her bottom lip. She looks much stronger than I. I stand to receive her. Smooth my clothing, a nervous tick of mine.

She stops and takes in my appearance, obviously sizing me up. “You would be his type.” She scoffs.

Startled by the forward remark, I reply, “I’m sorry, who’s type? You’ll have to forgive me, I’m- I’m not from around here.” I stumble over my words and scold myself for that great first impression.

“Neither are we.” She replies curtly. “Captain’s been making eyes at you all evening, girly. Just making sure you’re not some Fey trick to lead him into the woods.” She frowns a bit.

Offended, my reply came out just as curt, “I’m sure you don’t know who you are speaking to but I’m no trick, of that I can assure you. I’m – just traveling through. However, I do know that the woods are not a place one should venture to." Frustrated with this encounter, I sit down.

“Finish your wine and leave then before he starts getting ideas.” She huffs a bit and turns to go back to her group.

A fire wells in me and, again, without thinking the consequences, I blurt out, “Go back to your Captain, little messenger girl.” By all the Orchards provide, I’ve never felt so thrilled as I do now.

The woman turns back to me, “you’re lucky we’re in public, fairy princess.” She snorts and heads away back to her group. The man of my evening’s attentions gives her a stern look before making his way to the bar. He purchases another mug of ale and a glass of wine before turning to make his way towards my table. A well of unease or excitement begins to thrum in my stomach as he approaches. As he gets closer, I see that he doesn’t seem to be that much older than I but I note, far more traveled and experienced. His presence is strong and commanding and my gaze can’t be withdrawn from him.

“Kerza giving you a hard time?” He asks but I can’t reply. I just sit there stupidly stunned. “May I sit? I bring an apology,” he thrusts the glass of wine to me, “she’s protective of me.”

I steel myself and regain my composure. “Do I look like I require an apology? And thank you but I fear I must decline. I risk losing my wits as it is”, holding my hand out to decline the drink. I adjust my cloak again to cover my accoutrements of my Father’s house.

“All the same, I offer one.” the gentleman responds. He puts the glass down and gives me a small bow of introduction. “Kieran Valren, Captain of the Venrian Raiders, at your service.”

“Captain, please be seated, there is no need of pleasantries here. I’m trying not to make a scene.”

“Mother taught me manners were important.” He smiles and sits.

“Ah, then you must thank your mother the next time you are home for she should be appreciated. What brings you to my- this village? Maybe I’ve had too much already,” I stumbled over my words and giggle to try to cover my error.

“I shall.” He replies. “My companions and I are staying here as we try to work out how to navigate the Fey. For some unknown reason we keep ending up back here no matter the route we take. I didn’t get your name by the way.”

I laugh. “Yes, this is one of the many mysteries of the Fey. Direction and their magics tend to be lost to the woods. Arynn, my name is Arynn.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Arynn.”

I cannot help but feel bared open to his gaze. This frustrates me to no end.

“And you, Kieran. Odd name. I must admit, I’ve never heard it before”, I take another sip adding, “and I’ve seen all across these lands.”

“It’s a name like any other” he shrugs. “In my world at least. Nothing remarkable. However, where I’m from people aren’t really named Sparrow Egg or Creeping Vine either.”

“No?” I ask. “These are welcomed and impart great things for the bearer here.” I finish my glass before adding, “I should be leaving. I have an early appointment.”

“Allow me to walk you home. He stands and offers his hand to me. For some unknown reason I am very hesitant to take that hand as if I fear a repercussion. “It’s late and dangerous for a lady to be out on her own.”

“I can assure you, sir. I am no lady. I’ve just had luck along my travels to be able to live comfortably and you needn’t worry yourself, my rooms are just a few blocks from here.”

“Every woman should be treated as a lady.” He nods towards his group. “Honestly, I kinda just want a break from my friends for a bit and some air but I won’t push the matter.”

If anyone can appreciate the need to escape, it’s me, the currently escaped, so I concede. “Oh, then yes, by all means,” I response sweetly, “I cannot say that I don’t fancy an escape every now and then.” Under my breath, I add a subtle, “Or everyday.” I stand and turn towards the door, “Shall we?”

He offers his hand to me. “Certainly.”

This time I cannot stop myself. I take his hand and the second we touch I feel a warm glow shoot through my body from him like a spark between us. His eyes flash golden and he pulls his hand away suddenly. He inspects his hand and I do the same. I feel exposed here and quickly leave the tavern into the street. “What was that?” I exclaim. “Did that hurt you?” and I reach for him as one would to calm and injury.

“No I’m fine.” He replies looking stunned.

“Has that happened before?” I ask excitedly.

No it hasn’t.

Stunned, I take two steps back. “What is that and how did I know what you said?”

“Celestial...” He responds.

“Celestial. Surely, you jest. Maybe I heard you wrong. I must have had too much to drink.” I figure I should try it out. What are you? I ask him in this new language.

Yes, the language of the Gods and Angels. The sweet shill of the language calms me. “Wait.” He adds in common. His eyes are now shimmering with a golden hue now. “I’m an Aasimar… god-touched.”

“I’ve never met one of your kind before.” I mutter reverently.

“Yeah, we’re pretty rare... I haven’t either, but I have this voice in my head who talks to me, Balgrim… I sound crazy now, don’t it?” He bites his lip a bit. I have to tear my gaze away from the act.

“NO! I have Erevan. He talks to me too. Wait…” I trail off with the realization. “You have wings?” He asks me hesitantly.

I loose them from under my cloak so they drag across the ground from under the hem. “I always thought I was alone… an abomination. I’m not?”

He briefly does the same and I see he has beautiful white wings with downy feathers before he stows then back away. “Of all the places…” He mutters.

Under an intense compulsion, I step into him. “Is that what the hand fire was? Is that how we identify each other?” Pelting him with question while looking him over. “You don’t look like me. I am ugly. They hide me.” I look into his eyes. “You have irises, and beautiful eyes.”

He looks down into mine and speaks softly, “You’re not ugly… I hide my eyes because they distract people.”

Forgoing my concern of being seen, I push the cloak back off my shoulders. “Is this not ugly? Skin the color of cold stone, and hair that puts ash to shame.” I come back to myself and duck into an alley.

“Well, I stand out in my world… If I don’t hide… but you live here so maybe that’s how it works?”

I mentally reach out to Erevan, “how could you not tell me?” Certain rage fills my words.

You would have come across one someday, Shorecaller.

I move in closer to Kieran. “Do you feel that?”

“Yeah, I do... I feel your presence.” He speak reverently.

“And I, you.” My words don’t feel like my words anymore. There’s a newness to me as if there’s something else in me, warming me and placing a calm over everything I feel.

He takes my hand and holds it, quietly, in the shadows of the alley. I move it to cradle my face as I nuzzle into it. “This feels nice, warm.” I sigh.

He responds. “Yeah, it does… comforting.”

I shake my head clear, rescind my wings and right my cloak. “Well, since I’m sure you’ll know where I am now, care to walk me home? I step back further completing my readjustment. The urge to reach out to him remains just as strong. I smooth my dress again and shut down my face. Its back to arrogant Noble Arynn.

“Of course my lady.” He offers his arm and I take it wary of the connection but the warmth is comforting this time as if its calmed as well.

As we walk the streets, I lean into him. “Kieran.”

“Hm?” he responds as if lost to his own thoughts.

“Tell me more of your home. I lied before about being traveled. This is the farthest I’ve ever gone from the Keep.”

He smiles. “I could tell.”

I laugh quickly. “I plan to work on that.”

He begins, “I’m from Faerun, a place called the Sword Coast.” He continues on telling me about his home and I listen intently the whole walk home. As we approach the Keep walls I pull him into the surrounding woods to navigate around the walls to the small exit from which I escaped. “That all sounds wonderful. I would just die to see somewhere that isn’t behind these walls. See? Escaping isn’t just meant for parties and Captain's.”

The small door comes into sight and I turn to Kieran, “Thank you for bringing me home, your party must be wondering where you are.” I turn to step through the entrance and stop to turn back. "Maybe I’m being too forward, as is my way.. but…” I hesitate, “will I see you again?”

“I’d like that.” He smiles and I melt all over again. “I’ll be gone for a bit but upon my return, for sure.”

“OK, when you return, send word to Gianna. She’ll relay the message to me to avoid having my parents getting involved. As it is, I’ll also be predisposed tomorrow with a thing my parents are throwing. It’s always one thing or another. This one’s for me but I hate it every year.” I bow slightly, a mark of my station, and touch his face lightly, linger a few moments taking in the sight.

Goodbye. I say in Celestial.

He returns the sentiment and kisses my hand before turning to leave himself. Another spark runs through me. I make my way back to my room to never sleep another moment this night.