Thread: Tempting Bonds (Neuro+LI)

Rinwen had traveled the past three days with little rest, and had sprinted most of the time. She thanked the spirits for giving her the strength to keep moving, sitting down upon a rock and drank the last of her water from her wineskin. Her food rations were running low, as she did not have time to pack more, and did not dare venture back into the forest to retrieve the rest of the wineskins. So the woman pressed on, on her way to Hawkteyn. She was in desperate need of food and hot drink, and a bed to sleep in. It didn't matter if the inn was cheap, anything would be better than the hard life of a journey without proper rations. Luckily for her she still had an extra set of clothing and a small handful of berries to keep her nourished. All that Rinwen needed was to get through the day and hopefully reach the city by sunset. As dawn broke over the horizon, she forced herself to stand up and stretch, listlessly folding her blanket and stuffing it into the pack. Shivering, she kicked dirt over the burning embers of the fire from the night before. The morning was especially cold, and was beginning to bite through the thick cloak she wore. Checking to make sure she had everything still intact, Rinwen set out on the road once more. Unlike the times she had traveled with the troupe, she was tortured by the silence of the journey, which forced her to think more about the past, to dwell on it. Questions raced through her mind, and Rinwen bit her lip, this time breaking the skin. She muttered obscenely and sucked at the wound, relishing the metallic taste on her tongue. Suddenly, a light rain began to sprinkle on her, and the morning grew even colder. Rinwen drew the cloak around herself tighter, pulling the hood over her head. The night before, she had taken a sharp dagger to her hair and cut it off, her long dark locks used as part of a prayer to keep herself safe for the rest of her journey. Not only that, but the woman decided she would remain as Sebastian during her journey and for the rest of her time in Hawkteyn, as she regained her bearings. Women were more likely to be attacked by rapists and thieves, and she had enough people hunting for her already. The day wore on, and the rain fell harder, dampening her cloak. Coughing, she felt herself growing weaker, and every once in a while tilted her head back to have a few drops of water on her tongue. Rinwen longed to sit by a warm, roaring fire and ached for a hot meal. She found it odd that while she neared the city, there weren't any travelers that passed her on the road. Does this mean the rumors of war are true? She asked herself worriedly. If so, this meant the number of highwaymen and deserting soldiers would plague the roads. If she were to travel to Avalon, then protecting herself would be a greater priority. The past few days she had been completely bound by the Heart of Stone, never letting it release its hold on her. Rinwen dared not to know how emotional she could become. If she were to survive, she would have to learn to remove all compassion. It wasn't long before she arrived by the gates of Hawkteyn, the towering outer stone walls of the city imposing and invincible. Heavily guarded, the heavy gates that led inside were carved with the symbols of the empire. It had been so long since she had last visited this majestic city, and the young woman could not remember the merry summer fairs she had attended as a young child. After finally passing through the gates, it was now that she could see just how grand and large Hawkteyn really wasa labyrinth of inns, houses and taverns, with street urchins stalking the dark corners of the crowded streets. Losing herself in the bustle of the city, she slipped into the tavern of a nearby inn. Excuse me sir, she said, placing her lute on the counter. What will I get in exchange for my skills as a musician? She had hoped he would be a more sympathetic innkeeper, but he merely scoffed at her offer. Like hell I would hire a musician! Go on, get out of this place! You are not allowed back in my inn unless you have money in your pocket! And so Rinwen tried again, and again, but they all responded to her with different variations of the same words. The end of the day was drawing near, and if she wouldn't be able to acquire a place to sleep, then she would be forced to sleep in a freezing, dirty alleyway. Well, if I can't get a place to sleep, I might as well get something to eat... She was completely out of food, and felt her empty stomach growing increasingly restless. The smell of delicious meals in the air did nothing to curb her appetite. Despite how desperate she was, Rinwen couldn't get anything to eat unless she had money in her pocket. Must I be forced to steal...? It was then that the most tempting opportunity came before her a rather corpulent man walked past her, and while he was still in her sight the woman noticed he had a large, bulging purse hanging from his belt, jingling with gilded currency. While Rinwen wasnt a saint, never before had she stolen so much as a loaf of bread. It wasnt that she wouldnt do it if necessary-- merely because there was no need. Still, she needed the money, and the girl was certain that a man such as he could spare a few coins. After a few minutes, Rinwen stalked after him, following him in the crowd. Quietly she was enough steps behind him to reach out and grab the purse What are you doing?! Thief! cried the man, spinning around and grabbing her by the wrist. Ill have you arrested for thatguards! He motioned for two city guards, clad in uniform, to take her by the arms and arrest her, pinning her against a wall as they clapped iron handcuffs on her wrists. She winced, feeling the tight metal cut into her skin. Rinwen gritted her teeth in regret later that night, as she sat in a jail cell, eating meager rations. Who knew that she would get what she wanted? Shelter and food in a prison! Sitting on the cold hard stone floor, Rinwen curled up and hugged her knees, resting her head between them. So many things had happened within less than a fortnight. From an Arenthy trouper to a common, petty criminal, what else will follow? She thought worriedly. Surely they would not keep her here for long, thrown in with murderers and rapists. At least they still had her mistaken for a boy however there were stories of inmates who had a thing for boys with delicate faces the thought frightened her, as much as she hated to admit it. Footsteps resounded and echoed up and down the dank halls of the prison, and she looked up, watching a guard approach her cell. Immediately she tensed, and bolted upright to stand tall before him. Never would she let anyone see her in her weak state. Despite all, Rinwen knew she had to remain strong, as she represented the last of the Arenthy. Regarding the man with a cool and indifferent stare, she remained silent as he returned the gaze. Guess what, we have something for you to do, considering we dont have room to waste on a petty thief like you, what with murderers and deserters running amok, he said gruffly, handing her a dirtied paper with a crude artist representation of a man and the name Veris scribbled at the top. Look, the Chief says that you can be released as a bounty hunter, and within a years time if you manage to bring back this guy dead or alive you can win your freedom. If not, then you will be hunted down with a bounty on your head as well, for harboring a fugitive and avoiding prison time. Do you understand? We are letting you go. Rinwen nodded, staring blankly at the paper. So this is what follows-- from being the daughter of an Eladrin and a Genasi, to an orphan traveling among the Arenthyto finally a bounty hunter? Fifty-thousand gold coins for this guys head! She didnt even have to kill the man she simply had to find him, capture him and bring him towards the nearest constable. Even if she didnt find this guy, she would probably be able to avoid the authorities somehow. But that would be a year ahead, and Rinwen didnt want to waste this opportunity. Sign me up, she agreed, and an hour later she was back on the streets with twenty silver in her pocket, beginning her search for this Verisher new target.