The path to the Great Hall of Kaeleer was rougher than Raine
expected. The carriage jounced and lurched at every turn, every dirt mound
in the road. She could have ridden the winds, if she'd known how. But due
to lack of education in Craft, she was reduced to his method of
transportation.
For the twentieth time she smoothed the creases from her brown velvet pants, clutching her Gray jewel in an effort to abate her nervousness. And, for the fiftieth time, she wondered what in Hell she was doing. She had worked in Red Moon houses since she was twelve, and now four years later, she believed her life was finally about to change. As one of the best whores in Terrielle, she had immigrated to Kaeleer a year ago on the condition that she would continue working houses for at least another five years. However, security had begun to lax and with a few months of careful planning she had made her escape. Now, Raine was leaving her old life behind and in search of something new. It was for this reason that she was going to the Great Hall of Kaeleer, to see the one name Surreal. The former house worker was well known in Terrielle, and had been somewhat of an inspiration to Raine. This was a woman who had been much in the same situation as herself, but had somehow risen above her station to become one of the most beloved of Witch herself. And now, Raine was hoping a similar miracle could be worked for her.
The carriage jolted to a sudden halt and she was quick to dash out. Finally giving up on her pants, she turned and saw the ominous Hall spread out before her. Swallowing deeply, she faced the carriage driver.
"Can you, ummm, you know, . . hang around? You know, just in case I have to. . . err. . .leave in a hurry?"
The driver, a lean middle-aged man with a front tooth missing, looked her over thoughtfully. Then giving her the familiar leering look she was used to, he nodded that he would.
Walking up to the gates, she was surprised when confronted by two guards.
"State your name and business," the first guard, a short stoutly man, stated gruffly.
"Oh, you mean like an appointment?" Raine asked, realizing how stupid she sounded after she said it.
Both guards heaved dramatic sighs and the first guard answered, "If you don't have a scheduled appointment, we can take your name and the name of the person you wish to see, but we can't do more than that."
"Oh," was the only response she could think of, and distinctly heard the second guard mutter 'tourists'. She was now forced to rely on her only weapon. . .lust. With hair of liquid fire, a figure that seemed shaped in a forge, and smoky green eyes, there were few men who would, or could, refuse her suggestions; however, she must have come across the most dickless men in the entire SaDiablo Hall, for she still was rebuffed when asked admission.
"Okay, listen," Raine said, now out of options, "You have to let me in to see Surreal. My whole existence might depend on it! You can search me if you want to, but I'm sure that she's quite capable to protect herself."
"I'm sorry lady," the second guard said, beginning to get irritated, "But my orders are to not let anyone in who doesn't have an appointment. I will mention you to the Lady Surreal if you want, but I must caution you that she's very busy-"
"Oh nonsense!" came a strong clear voice behind the gates, "I haven't done anything of value in two weeks. Let me at least see this girl who wants to meet with me."
Surreal, still beautiful if aged several years, stepped in front of the gates. Raine felt herself inhale sharply, for now that she was before her role model she w as suddenly rendered speechless.
"See?" Surreal said pointedly, "she doesn't look like a threat, let her in, my orders."
The gates were promptly opened and, taking one last look at the carriage, she quickly stepped inside.
"Now," Surreal said, in one cursory glance giving Raine a head to toe evaluation, "What is it you wanted to tell me?"
Finding her voice, the sixteen year old girl answered, "Well, actually, I was thinking that I could. . .if it's okay with you of course, speak with you in private?"
"Of course," Surreal laughed, obviously amused and fairly curious, "Where are my manners? Won't you follow me?"
Not believing her luck, Raine did as requested, following Surreal into the arched doorways of SaDiablo Hall. There were people of all races scurrying from one side of the aisle to the other, carrying objects the secluded girl had never seen before. Her neck ached as she craned her head to see everything and at the same time not losing sight of Surreal.
Finally, she was pulled into a spacious room and motioned to take a seat. Wasting no time with small talk or the offering of drinks, Surreal asked, "So what's up?"
Raine, once again becoming nervous, took up the habit of smoothing her permanetly creased pants. Without looking at her companion, she blurted out her whole life history with a rush, "My father is unknown, my mother died shortly after my Birthright ceremony, I have no memory of her at all. I was put into an orphanage, but I ran away at age twelve. I started doing. . .corner jobs, then you know, moving up to Red Moon houses. I harnessed my talent, became the best at what I did, and eventually moved to Kaeleer, where it was rumored there would be more opportunity. Finding here only what I wanted to leave behind, I escaped my contract and came to the Hall. Lady Surreal," her tone now became pleading, "you were once in the same predicament as I, and look where you are now! Do you think that perhaps there is something you can do for me here?"
Surreal absorbed the whole story and was quiet for a long time afterwards. Raine was just beginning to wonder if her inspiration had heard her or not when Surreal finally replied, "The right thing to do," she began slowly, "would be to send you right back to the House where you came from. After all, you did violate a contract of immigration. However," Surreal hastily added seeing Raine's preparation to flee, "here at SaDiablo Hall we believe that everyone should have an opportunity to better themselves."
Raine's mouth flew open, preparing to gush her thanks(to hide her relief) but Surreal continued, "Plus there's the fact that I'm not one to do the right thing. And, it just so happens I like you," she shrugged helplessly, "I don't know why, maybe it's your ambition, or our similar histories, or maybe it's simply your pure nerve. Nonetheless. . .what color jewel do you wear?"
Raine hesitated at this point, unwilling to display the object that was her last link to a deceased mother. But then she figured she could trust Surreal, after all there was indeed a link between them, and she pulled out her Gray jewel which was framed in a crude leather thong around her neck.
"Another surprise," Surreal laughed and she too, whipped out her Gray jewel, "We match! Though it is a surprise you've already made your Offering at such a young age."
Raine, her heart lighter than it had been in years, said, "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Sure you do," Surreal grinned, "Remember? You were in a room for like a day, and then you got a different colored jewel, the Gray one?"
Raine shook her head slowly from side to side, "I've just had this jewel my entire life,"
Surreal's smile faded completely and her eyebrows knitted together in concentration, "but that would mean. . . Gray is your Birthright jewel?"
"I suppose-"
"But. . .but that's impossible!" Surreal stated, her eyes shooting wide in disbelief, "I mean, I'm not an expert, Janelle would know more on the subject, but even Daemon was Red. Unless. . .perhaps you've come here at exactly the right time."
Surreal seemed to come to a resolution, but Raine took no heed. Queen Jaenelle, Surreal had mentioned, and Daemon Sadi, the Sadist! Both were known of extremely well in Terrielle and from what she had heard, the last thing she wanted to do was draw their attentions!
"Come with me," Surreal leaped up, interrupting Raine's dark thoughts and grabbing her hand, "I'm taking you to Jaenelle. I think we have a position for you after all."
"No!" Raine protested uselessly as she was rushed through a dizzing maze of hallways and tapestries, "P-please Lady," she stammered, "Th- they'll kill me!"
This caught Surreal's attention just as the pair stopped in front of a gold-plated door.
"What makes you say that?" she asked curiously.
"They'll kill me because I'm Terriellian! That's what I've heard at least, that Witch destroyed almost half its population with her wrath. That she used Terriellian targets for her anger and now possesses a deep hatred for us!"
Raine was near hysterics, but Surreal looked pissed. Turning to face Raine, she said, "I promise you that you've heard is a load of bull. Trust me, Jaenelle gives everyone a fair chance. Now come on, do you want to be something or not?"
Not giving her a chance to answer, Surreal yanked her into the room.
A circle of varied people looked up as Surreal entered, but Raine stared at her feet to avoid looking up at them. But her heard jerked to a snap when she heard Surreal announce formally, "My Lady Jaenelle, I think I've found you an apprentice."
For the twentieth time she smoothed the creases from her brown velvet pants, clutching her Gray jewel in an effort to abate her nervousness. And, for the fiftieth time, she wondered what in Hell she was doing. She had worked in Red Moon houses since she was twelve, and now four years later, she believed her life was finally about to change. As one of the best whores in Terrielle, she had immigrated to Kaeleer a year ago on the condition that she would continue working houses for at least another five years. However, security had begun to lax and with a few months of careful planning she had made her escape. Now, Raine was leaving her old life behind and in search of something new. It was for this reason that she was going to the Great Hall of Kaeleer, to see the one name Surreal. The former house worker was well known in Terrielle, and had been somewhat of an inspiration to Raine. This was a woman who had been much in the same situation as herself, but had somehow risen above her station to become one of the most beloved of Witch herself. And now, Raine was hoping a similar miracle could be worked for her.
The carriage jolted to a sudden halt and she was quick to dash out. Finally giving up on her pants, she turned and saw the ominous Hall spread out before her. Swallowing deeply, she faced the carriage driver.
"Can you, ummm, you know, . . hang around? You know, just in case I have to. . . err. . .leave in a hurry?"
The driver, a lean middle-aged man with a front tooth missing, looked her over thoughtfully. Then giving her the familiar leering look she was used to, he nodded that he would.
Walking up to the gates, she was surprised when confronted by two guards.
"State your name and business," the first guard, a short stoutly man, stated gruffly.
"Oh, you mean like an appointment?" Raine asked, realizing how stupid she sounded after she said it.
Both guards heaved dramatic sighs and the first guard answered, "If you don't have a scheduled appointment, we can take your name and the name of the person you wish to see, but we can't do more than that."
"Oh," was the only response she could think of, and distinctly heard the second guard mutter 'tourists'. She was now forced to rely on her only weapon. . .lust. With hair of liquid fire, a figure that seemed shaped in a forge, and smoky green eyes, there were few men who would, or could, refuse her suggestions; however, she must have come across the most dickless men in the entire SaDiablo Hall, for she still was rebuffed when asked admission.
"Okay, listen," Raine said, now out of options, "You have to let me in to see Surreal. My whole existence might depend on it! You can search me if you want to, but I'm sure that she's quite capable to protect herself."
"I'm sorry lady," the second guard said, beginning to get irritated, "But my orders are to not let anyone in who doesn't have an appointment. I will mention you to the Lady Surreal if you want, but I must caution you that she's very busy-"
"Oh nonsense!" came a strong clear voice behind the gates, "I haven't done anything of value in two weeks. Let me at least see this girl who wants to meet with me."
Surreal, still beautiful if aged several years, stepped in front of the gates. Raine felt herself inhale sharply, for now that she was before her role model she w as suddenly rendered speechless.
"See?" Surreal said pointedly, "she doesn't look like a threat, let her in, my orders."
The gates were promptly opened and, taking one last look at the carriage, she quickly stepped inside.
"Now," Surreal said, in one cursory glance giving Raine a head to toe evaluation, "What is it you wanted to tell me?"
Finding her voice, the sixteen year old girl answered, "Well, actually, I was thinking that I could. . .if it's okay with you of course, speak with you in private?"
"Of course," Surreal laughed, obviously amused and fairly curious, "Where are my manners? Won't you follow me?"
Not believing her luck, Raine did as requested, following Surreal into the arched doorways of SaDiablo Hall. There were people of all races scurrying from one side of the aisle to the other, carrying objects the secluded girl had never seen before. Her neck ached as she craned her head to see everything and at the same time not losing sight of Surreal.
Finally, she was pulled into a spacious room and motioned to take a seat. Wasting no time with small talk or the offering of drinks, Surreal asked, "So what's up?"
Raine, once again becoming nervous, took up the habit of smoothing her permanetly creased pants. Without looking at her companion, she blurted out her whole life history with a rush, "My father is unknown, my mother died shortly after my Birthright ceremony, I have no memory of her at all. I was put into an orphanage, but I ran away at age twelve. I started doing. . .corner jobs, then you know, moving up to Red Moon houses. I harnessed my talent, became the best at what I did, and eventually moved to Kaeleer, where it was rumored there would be more opportunity. Finding here only what I wanted to leave behind, I escaped my contract and came to the Hall. Lady Surreal," her tone now became pleading, "you were once in the same predicament as I, and look where you are now! Do you think that perhaps there is something you can do for me here?"
Surreal absorbed the whole story and was quiet for a long time afterwards. Raine was just beginning to wonder if her inspiration had heard her or not when Surreal finally replied, "The right thing to do," she began slowly, "would be to send you right back to the House where you came from. After all, you did violate a contract of immigration. However," Surreal hastily added seeing Raine's preparation to flee, "here at SaDiablo Hall we believe that everyone should have an opportunity to better themselves."
Raine's mouth flew open, preparing to gush her thanks(to hide her relief) but Surreal continued, "Plus there's the fact that I'm not one to do the right thing. And, it just so happens I like you," she shrugged helplessly, "I don't know why, maybe it's your ambition, or our similar histories, or maybe it's simply your pure nerve. Nonetheless. . .what color jewel do you wear?"
Raine hesitated at this point, unwilling to display the object that was her last link to a deceased mother. But then she figured she could trust Surreal, after all there was indeed a link between them, and she pulled out her Gray jewel which was framed in a crude leather thong around her neck.
"Another surprise," Surreal laughed and she too, whipped out her Gray jewel, "We match! Though it is a surprise you've already made your Offering at such a young age."
Raine, her heart lighter than it had been in years, said, "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Sure you do," Surreal grinned, "Remember? You were in a room for like a day, and then you got a different colored jewel, the Gray one?"
Raine shook her head slowly from side to side, "I've just had this jewel my entire life,"
Surreal's smile faded completely and her eyebrows knitted together in concentration, "but that would mean. . . Gray is your Birthright jewel?"
"I suppose-"
"But. . .but that's impossible!" Surreal stated, her eyes shooting wide in disbelief, "I mean, I'm not an expert, Janelle would know more on the subject, but even Daemon was Red. Unless. . .perhaps you've come here at exactly the right time."
Surreal seemed to come to a resolution, but Raine took no heed. Queen Jaenelle, Surreal had mentioned, and Daemon Sadi, the Sadist! Both were known of extremely well in Terrielle and from what she had heard, the last thing she wanted to do was draw their attentions!
"Come with me," Surreal leaped up, interrupting Raine's dark thoughts and grabbing her hand, "I'm taking you to Jaenelle. I think we have a position for you after all."
"No!" Raine protested uselessly as she was rushed through a dizzing maze of hallways and tapestries, "P-please Lady," she stammered, "Th- they'll kill me!"
This caught Surreal's attention just as the pair stopped in front of a gold-plated door.
"What makes you say that?" she asked curiously.
"They'll kill me because I'm Terriellian! That's what I've heard at least, that Witch destroyed almost half its population with her wrath. That she used Terriellian targets for her anger and now possesses a deep hatred for us!"
Raine was near hysterics, but Surreal looked pissed. Turning to face Raine, she said, "I promise you that you've heard is a load of bull. Trust me, Jaenelle gives everyone a fair chance. Now come on, do you want to be something or not?"
Not giving her a chance to answer, Surreal yanked her into the room.
A circle of varied people looked up as Surreal entered, but Raine stared at her feet to avoid looking up at them. But her heard jerked to a snap when she heard Surreal announce formally, "My Lady Jaenelle, I think I've found you an apprentice."