Slamming the door behind her, Alria ran off as fast as her legs could carry her away from that horrible place. They would never understand her. The pain on the left side of her cheek burned as a tear slipped down onto that red mark. The pavement began to blur as her knees trembled. Finally her knees buckled under her and she fell onto the hard rough floor. She sobbed into the dirt pavement beneath her, tears flowing freely from her face. Why things can't go her way, Alria thought bitterly, clenching her fist. She felt hopeless and weak. If that wasn't bad enough, she could feel the eyes of people walking pass her, muttering comments under their breath.

Wait, those comments weren't about her, Alria realized. Lifting her head up, she saw a group of people crowding around the town's notice board. Curious, Alria went to take a look, wiping her eyes. It read:

Feel something missing in your life? Want to be something greater and live a life full of adventure? Team up with friends and take on evil.

Join us now in becoming the new defenders of Legel

Recruitments start at Roumen

See you there! XD

"That is a great idea!" Alria exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. 'Now I won't have to see that old hag anymore.'

That mere thought made her felt over the moon as she walked back to her house with a spring in her steps. She could lead a better life full of adventure and venture into the outside world. No one is going to tell her what to do when she becomes an adventurer. But she would miss her father. Great, how is she going to explain her decision to him? Alria sighed, opening the door.

"Looks like you have crawled back for more?" A voice demanded as she stood by the door, her arms folded.

Alria smirked, "No I am here to make a deal with you." Alria answered eyeing the witch pacing around her. Her mother stopped in front of her with her hand on her hips. "Tell me."

"Get me a ticket to Roumen," Alria drawled, "and you will never see me again."

Alria's hands trembled as her mother pondered over her request, sweat beading down her face. If she refused her request then she would have no choice but to-

"I accept."

A smile formed on Alria's face.

"I will get you a ticket for the ship that sails to Roumen at first light tomorrow."

Alria wanted to jump with joy. Who knew she would give in so easily?

"But on one condition."

Her smile faltered, "Which is?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Never contact with your father ever again."

Alria's eyes widened. How dare that witch give such a condition? "That's outrages!" Alria cried, clenching her fist.

Her mother shrugged. "Then the deal is off."

Alria love her father, he was the only one in the family that cared for her. Unlike her mother who treated her like trash. But she also knew that if she refused the condition. Her father would continue to be torn between her and her mother and she couldn't bear to see him in that state anymore. "Fine I won't contact him anymore!" Alria huffed.

The doors from the kitchen slammed opened. "Father!" Alria gasped.

"Are you serious about this Alria?" he asked, his eyes starting to get glassy.

"Yeah," Alria muttered, bowing her head.

Her father sighed, "It's alright, I support your choices." He hugged her. Alria was overwhelmed by his warmth and her own guilt, she held him tigter.

"Extra clothes. Map. Apples. Toothbrush. Soap. Water bottle. Towels and socks. "Looks like I got everything I need," Alria checked, stuffing the last of her belongings into the bag. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she went downstairs and out of the house. The rush of cold air greeted her as she stepped out. She should have brought a jacket.

She took her time to stroll through the town, the smell of bakery waffled though the air. Granny Smith was already working, Alria thought. She was going to miss her delicious fresh bake goods she always made. She went into the bakery to say her farewells to the baker whom she knew since she was little. Granny Smith seemed a little upset, so Alria told her the reasons that she had to leave. At last Granny Smith gave her her blessings and Alria could finally leave in peace. As she was about to leave, the baker called after her. Confused she turned around and saw her holding a loaf of chocolate bread wrapped in paper.

"Just in case you get hungry," She explained, pushing the bread towards her while giving a toothless grin.

"Thank you." Alria accepted it and hugged the baker. Then she stared at the clock that hung on the wall. Crap she was going to be late! "I got to go Granny." She said, stuffing the bread hastily into her bag.

"Okay sweetie, take care of yourself out there." She smiled, watching the girl head out.

"I will never forget you!" Alria shouted over her shoulder and waved as she ran out of the store.

"Why does time pass so fast?" Alria screamed in frustration as she zipped past the people slowly walking in front of her. She could make it in time; the docks were not far from here. Taking a sharp turn to the left, Alria almost bumped into an old man walking his dog. She could see the sea gulls flying above her now. There's the boat!

"All aboard!" The captain shouted as the ship let out a high pitch whistle. Alria cursed and increased her speed, lowering her head and dashed towards the boat with full speed. While she was running, she tripped on a loose rock on the pavement and crashed into the notice sign. "Ow!" Alria whined, rubbing her head.

"Alria!"

That was her father's voice. Quickly getting to her feet, she called back to him. Her father stopped in front her, panting madly with his hand pressed against his knees. "Dad what are you doing here?" Alria asked.

"I came to give this to you; I thought it might help you." He said presenting her a pair of sharp claws. How much did he spend to get those? Tears ran down her cheeks.

"Dad…I-"

Her father placed a finger on her lip. "Don't worry about the price; just make good use of these weapons I bought you." He said. Alria wrapped him in a bear hug.

"I love you Dad." She sniffed.

"You better go now or you are going to miss the boat." Alria nodded, taking the claws and boarded the ship.

Let the adventure begin!

_Hope you guys like it. Please tell me if there is any error and do give critics on how my writing can be improve so that I may write better stories for you XD. Bilance~