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The soup warmed her inside and out. The Druid made her feel very comfortable and safe. She felt obligated to the woman, in fact she had saved her from the wrath of Artimis. "Thank You" Kierstien spoke finally once her hungry stomach had been filled to the brim.
Ariel smiled warmly at her as she took her bowl and set it in the sink. She returned and sat across from her looking over her puzzlingly.
"Where are you from?" Ariel asked her, obviously they didnt meet many outsiders and Ariel had always been curious about things.
"Well," Kierstien began "I did have a home long long ago, much like you have now. A family.."
She resituated herself in her seat a bit uncomfortably, this was not the most comfortable subject for her.
"It was wonderful, a small village, everyone knew everyone. Everyone was friends with everyone. We even had get togethers where everyone would bring some sort of food that they loved, and we would all share in a grand feast... All in all, It was a wonderful place to grow up."
Ariel listened intently. Her eyes locked onto the woman as if hanging on her every word.
Kierstien sighed as her mind's eye took her back in her memories of how it used to be.
"And if it wouldnt have been for that greedy King... Most likely I would be there still."
"Greedy King?" Ariel inquired as to keep Kierstien aware of her interest so that she might continue.
"Yes, King Trillian... The greediest most vile man that ever walked our lands.. HE was the downfall of our Village.. It was by his hand ... it was because of HIM!"
Kierstien's breathing had sped slightly and her voice was raising to the point that Ariel was starting to rise from her seat with concern that someone might hear her.
She cleared her throat, and took a few deep breaths.. "He thought he knew how to run a kingdom.. turns out he did know how to run a kingdom.. right into the ground. Apparently he thought that gold was in endless supply... Who knows really."
"He would spend all his gold, and then raise the taxes... spend all his gold and raise the taxes again.. soon noone could afford to buy even an egg .. prices were ridiculously expensive..
Everyone was tring to make ends meet.. the price of everything continued to rise... Until finally people began to relocate.. one by one, the people had to leave the place where they grew up.. the place that they called home."
"I was sold.. at the age of 14.." Tears in Kierstien's eyes now.. "It wasnt my parents fault.. it was that him... Trillian..."
"I'm sorry..." Ariel sad sadly.. she had no idea that a simple question would bring forth such emotion from the woman.. surely she had not intended it to be such an emotional question.
"Here," Ariel hands Kierstien a tissue to wipe her eyes. "It's not your parents fault, your parents love you very much." "I know.." Kierstien sniffed. "Thanks"
Ariel decided then to change the subject.. "Well then, looks like I'll have a guest for awhile then!"
Kierstien was confused.. "You mean..?"
"Of course silly! You will stay here with me, at least for now.. I could really use the company.. I like to do more than compile lists of necessary herbs for the dwarven elves to retrieve from Dark Forest..." She smiled, "I mean come on.. They would never hear of me traveling there to pick my own herbs!"
Kierstien was quite taken aback by her offer, and she was very grateful, though she couldnt help but wonder how she would keep this a secret from her Clan...
"Are you sure it's safe?" She asked Ariel then with concern written on her face.
"Dont you worry about a thing lil Miss, I'll handle all the details, you just need to get yourself some rest."
It was true, Kierstien had not rested now in nearly three days time and she was weary.. Ariel showed her back downstairs where to her surprise, there was a bed with a nightstand set up near the far corner.
"The guestroom" Ariel smiled, "It's not much but you are welcome to it."
Kierstien nodded, "Oh Ariel, you dont know how much I appreciate this!"
"Go and rest, we will speak more this evening, for now there is much to be done. Do not for any reason come out from this doorway."
Kierstien nodded sleepily that she understood.
With that Ariel made her way back up the small stairway and Kierstien headed dirty clothes and all to sleep, finally! Closing her eyes and covering herself with the warm blankets, she was asleep before her head even hit the pillow.
Kierstien · Mon Nov 26, 2007 @ 02:18am · 0 Comments |