Jump to content


I. First Impressions


  • Please log in to reply
No replies to this topic

#1 Guest_Fantysm_*

Posted 05 November 2002 - 03:40 AM

"What is your problem, Aulava?" asked Tiiro Memokar. The two teenagers hung back away from the field-trip group to argue. Their enmity was well-known in their school-class, and most of their classmates avoided them when they bickered, lest they become violent.

"You," Aulava Starellon replied without missing a beat. She stopped and turned to face the young man. "Why do you keep bothering me, Tiiro? It's no secret that our families are enemies, so can't you just leave me alone?"

"Why should I leave you alone when it's such fun making you angry?" Tiiro said. He was enjoying himself, and allowed a small grin to materialize on his straight, thin features.

Aulava glared at him and started after their departing class. They were on a field trip to the Government District in Athkatla, to study the workings of the Council of Six.

"I hate you, Tiiro! Just leave me alone!" Aulava said harshly, and ran off, now away from the crowd.

Tiiro glanced at the Council building, then at the group. They wouldn't miss him for a bit. He looked to the sky, which was darkening steadily. Surely it was going to rain, soon. He was faced with a choice: go back to his class like a good little school-boy, or chase after his worst enemy in the rain.

Since when have I been a goody-two-shoes? Tiiro thought, and took the same course Aulava had.

* * *


An hour later, Tiiro was soaked to the skin, going hoarse from shouting, and lost. He had no idea which part of the city he was in, having been sheltered by his parents most of his young life. The last thing he could remember passing was a large, dry-docked ship, and he stood in front of a green building. A gnome in front of said building was crouching under the roof of a rickety stand that displayed all manner of turnips, in an effort to get away from the rain.

"Aulava!" he yelled again, but it came out as a whisper. He coughed, a raspy sound that started in his dry throat.

"Tiiro, I told you to stay away from me!" Aulava's angry voice came through the downpour. Tiiro turned in surprise and blinked. Aulava was standing there, drenched, her wet auburn hair sticking to the sides of her face. She stared him down, expecting him to explain himself.

Tiiro could feel a haze started to cloud his vision. Aulava seemed to notice his weakening state, and narrowed her hazel eyes in suspicion. "You're not going to pull that trick on me, are you? Please. I know every one in the book."

"I'm not . . ." Tiiro began, but collapsed. Aulava caught him under the arms before he blacked out.

* * *


When Tiiro woke up, he was staring into a pair of irate, furious hazel eyes. He braced himself for the tirade.

"You imbecile!" Aulava yelled. "You complete idiot! Do you know what would have happened if the guards had found me? They would have arrested me for murder or something! You can't just faint in the middle of the street, you . . . you . . ."

"Miss! I cannot have you harassing my patients! They need rest!" the priest of Ilmater cried, rushing over to tend Tiiro.

Aulava gave him a glare that would have withered an elf's ears. But unfortunately, this man was not an elf. The young woman felt a strong hand seize the back of her tunic and she was suddenly and violently thrown into the rain. She cursed her long skirt as it soaked through and stuck to her legs, making it difficult to get to her feet. Aulava vowed to burn every skirt and dress she owned as soon as she returned to her family's estate.

"Let me back in, you half-breed ignoramus! I'm not finished with him!" But the priest's helper had already locked the door with a click.

"Don't think this means we're friends, Tiiro!" Aulava shouted at the door. Inside, Tiiro winced. He had no such delusions.

* * *


Aulava stormed away to her family's mansion in the Residential District. The Starellon line was very wealthy and recognized in the City of Coin as a family of high-standing. Five of the servants hurried to find her dry clothes when she entered, but that was quickly put to an end when she pulled a knife from under her dress, pressed it to the foremost servant's throat, and said if they so much as attempted it, she'd kill someone. All included in this threat gulped and scurried away rather quickly.

She locked herself in her room, started a fire in the fireplace, and made true of her previous vow. The only clothing articles left were folded up in the secret compartment under her wardrobe. She put one of the two outfits on, admired herself in the mirror, and took off into the night. It was time for her idea of fun, for Aulava was not the good daughter of a noble like she pretended. Her home was the night, her name was Aulava of Shadows, and she was free.

"Let's play a little game, shall we?" she snickered, as the first gold-laden noble passed by her darkened hiding place.




0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users

Skin Designed By Evanescence at IBSkin.com