I woke the next morning, my stomach aching from lack of sustenance, and my mind reeling with the events that had occurred yesterday. How I longed to saddle a horse and ride to Ellora! My beautiful homeland, its endless meadows and small villages, was now taken from me. I was severed from the lands and fortune that were, by birthright, mine.

Closing my eyes, I decided to not ponder over what could have been. I had more important tasks at hand. I looked down at my pillow, tear stains still visible from my misery last night. No, I wouldn't think about that either. I would staunch my wounds, and live well for her. My mother would have wanted it so.

Donning everyday peasant garb, I slipped out of the chamber and ventured to the tavern downstairs. I was to eat, and then come up with a plan that would hopefully solve my dilemma. A middle-aged server came and asked for my order after I chose a table to sit down at. I tried to hide my foreign accent as best as possible, but judging by her raised eyebrows and prolonged study of my features; I knew I hadn't succeeded.

"What she must think about me," I sadly contemplated. Old wounds reopened as I miserably thought of how no one would accept me. It was during this contemptible moment of self-pity that I noted a rather large group of travelers come in.

They had at least a dozen servants with them, displaying their riches proudly to all the commoners at the bar. The family was stiff of posture and possessed incredibly pointy noses, as if they were born to look down on other "less-worthy" peoples. The father seemed to be disgusted with his current situation, the mother indifferent, and the daughter was too busy sneering at one of her handmaidens to notice those of lower stations at the inn.

I silently thanked the great creator above that I did not have to work for that insufferable family.

"Chandie! I found a pretty one!"

I looked towards a little boy of about five years of age, who was pointing directly at me and tugging violently on "Chandie's" hand. When she ignored him, as she was the unfortunate servant who was receiving scolding from the daughter, the boy ran up to me and tugged on my hair.

"My name's Lev! What's yours?" His curious eyes regarded me intensely, as if what I had to say would determine the fate of the world.

"My name is Zuleika."

"That's a pretty name! You're pretty too! I was telling my sister Chandie that, but she ignored me! And then I told my brother, and he agreed!"

I blushed a fierce red, and said, "Well, thank you Lev."

It was then that I noticed a hand on little Lev's shoulder. I looked up and gaped.

"Thank you for keeping my little brother company, I hope he wasn't too hinder some."

I looked down and didn't answer. Oh creator! Why couldn't I just answer him? Finally, I mustered up the courage. "No, he was-"It was then that I noticed that the large group was gone, along with Lev and his brother.

My mortification grew as I regarded my server's amused face as she sauntered back with my food. "A fine looking lad, aye? If I was your age I would have bedded him like that!" She snapped her fingers, revealing to me how fast she would have. "Too bad you seem like a timid one, aye? Too shy if you ask me." Then she left, as if she normally noted her customer's personalities and faults.

I had suddenly lost my appetite.

Taking the food up to my room, I decided I'd have it later. As I walked back to my former seat, I saw the server waiting impatiently by my table. "And where did you go off to? You know that you aren't allowed to leave without paying?"

My face must have shown sincere confusion as her features softened and she said, "Look, just don't do it next time lass, aye?" I nodded as she smiled and started to walk away. "Wait!" I called.

It was the first thing I had said to her, besides my order, and she turned around surprised. "She speaks!" she exclaimed, "Well what is it lass?" She said, as I turned red. I did not fancy conversing to brazen people.

"Are there any jobs that I could do around here for money? Just temporary, of course." I managed to squeak, becoming more and more nervous from her penetrating stare.

"Ah! It's a job you'll be wanting then! Let's see, a timid mouse like you wouldn't be able to work here at the bar. You can work as a maid and as a stable hand then."

"Thank you," I said truthfully, and listened as she gave me instructions as where to go. I was to start working immediately. I was glad of this, since it would give me less time to think about my mother. I needed to keep busy.

It was around midnight that I had finally finished my shift as a maid. Since it was around Midsummer's Eve, travelers from all other kingdoms were visiting Kyrria as they threw the largest festivities and celebrations here for the holiday. There had been a myriad of rooms to clean and make ready for the new arrivals.

Exhausted, I sank into a large armchair in front of the fire situated in the inn's anteroom. I was sure that I looked a mess, but it didn't matter as I had earned fine wages for my labor. I smiled, albeit sadly, as I thought of my server's, Citali, face after I had reported how many rooms I had prepared.

She was a very nice woman, although it had taken me an incredibly long time to become accustomed to her random and often embarrassing comments. I was tired of being called "a timid mouse", although it had only been one day.

I started humming an old Ellorei song, to soothe my thoughts and physical state. I found that it had always worked. In Ndéla, after being picked on and bullied, I would sing it to myself, hoping to forget the cruel names and words they had used with me.

A picture of the youth who had talked to me about his brother was suddenly conjured up in my mind. I had stared and then looked down because he had such a kind and warm face that I had felt my facing getting heated. His hair was black and short, although it managed to be extremely curly. But his eyes, they were the reason why I had faltered. They were amber, full of laughter and mirth.

I cursed myself over and over about my humiliation in front of such a man.

Once again, I started to sing, under my breath, the old Ellorei healer's song that often calmed my worries. A picture formed in my mind of my mother singing it to me as a child. No, it would do no good to think of such things. They only brought sadness.

In spite of my resolution however, my eyes began to water. All the tears that I thought had been spent were once again revived. I hated the fact that I was so vulnerable just then, and wept even more at this realization. My only consolation then was that no one was in the anteroom save me.

I slowly looked up and wiped my tears on the sleeve of my dress. I needed to move on. But not to forget, I would never forget.

I stood up, filled with hope, as I started towards my chamber. The best revenge would be to live and live well.

A/N: I changed the rating to PG-13 because there will be violence and drama, etc. in the story! Also to clarify this, because I foresee some questions: Zuleika was outgoing with the child because she feels that she can trust him. Just in case you're wondering! I also hoped you liked Citali's character (her server) because she plays a major part in the story! I hope you liked it, if you have any questions or comments please put it in a review or an email! Thank you very much! Clare