Heeeyoooo~
Sooo as I am now back from my writing hiatus I am veeery excited to be presenting the prologue to a new multichapter! Some of you may recognize this story in the next couple chapters as a revamp and expanding upon a misc oneshot I made I think around half a year ago? There will be some definite story changes from that particular oneshot so I really hope you all enjoy!
Prologue
The sound of crickets and other nightlife outside the stone walls of Peliad echoed into the city, a quiet ambiance on one of the rare nights without rain. All was peaceful, at least by the standards of the inhabitants. No one could have known what was going on below, within the sewer tunnels where criminals made their trades.
Men in dark colours milled, murmurs echoing in a room as those who could kill without hesitation to protect their own skin balked at the sight of a lone child sitting alone in the corner. Dirty clothes a direct contrast to the gently combed black bob on the young girl, not that anyone in the room would have taken note at the moment.
"How do we tell her…." A cocky tone fallen flat as one of several men watched the sleeping girl leaned against the wall.
"We told him going after the statuette was stupid, he warned Caspian that the owner had a powerful mage staying with him. But he wouldn't listen." Another said with a sigh.
"What will be done with her? She has no mother-" A third started before falling silent as two forms filled the doorway.
"Fascinating how my best men can be such cowards in the face of confronting a child with reality." A dry voice remarked from the doorway, the plum cloth garbed form stepping into the room with a taller man on his heels.
"Boss! We-, I mean she's so young-"
The thief lord gave a dismissive flick of his hand, ignoring his people gathered in the room.
"Silence you idiots, I know why. You may rest easy however, she will not be alone and none of you chickens will have to break the news." He said with a snort.
Several breaths of relief were released at this news as insults were ignored before eyes turned to the taller man, watching as he moved through them and towards the obliviously sleeping child.
"Her father was my friend, she'll not be left to fend for herself. Melina is a smart girl, she has her father's wits. I will raise her and train her, she shall make her father proud." He rumbled, kneeling down as the child stirred.
Deep blue eyes opened as she turned, staring in guarded confusion at the gathering of thieves before her.
"Daron. Where's papa?"
A large hand reached up to rest on her head, pressing the large yellow sitting atop it against the hair.
"He's….not here right now. I am to take you back with me." He said with some difficulty.
Melina yawned before moving to stand, letting out a startled yelp as instead Daron scooped her up to carry her.
The already slender child was further dwarfed by the burly frame of the man carrying her, a sight that might have been almost comical if not for the circumstances.
"You're taking me back to papa and my ally?" The black-haired child questioned sleepily, Daron's jaw clenching slightly.
"No… I'm taking you somewhere your father would rather. Peliad is no longer good for you, we will be making a home in Shoal Leiu now."