DAO: Remember Me
Bioware owns all the material. I hope you're enjoying my rendition of the story. :)
Ch. 2 Runaway
The sun fell into the horizon as the bandits ventured into the forest. Violet, now exhausted from whimpering and wrists sore from squirming, leaned silently against the leader. The images of her parents replayed in her mind. She wondered why they were doing this to her; where were they taking her? She shivered from the sharp breeze and longed for her parents.
"Let's stop here men," the leader announced, noticing how quickly the sky was starting to darken. "Rest up now because we won't be stopping at all tomorrow. We have a schedule to keep."
He pulled Violet off the horse and dropped her near a tree. She curled up against it, ducking her head into her knees.
"Watch the girl," the leader ordered one of his men. A campfire started in the little clearing and the men quickly settled around the heat. Violet shivered again. She wanted to be near the fire too, but didn't want to be near the bandits. Her conflicting feelings confused her and she started to whimper again.
"Aye, shut up girl!" her guard turned toward her and threw a small rock in her direction. The men laughed as she flinched. He turned back toward the fire and sat with the rest of the gang.
Violet's eyes started to tear again. I want to go home, she thought to herself. Over and over she chanted silently. I want to go home, I want to go home.
Several days passed as the gang journeyed across Ferelden. They stopped in Lothering, but quickly continued on their way. She was not bound then, but the leader made it very clear that if she moved or spoke, he would kill her. So she remained silent. Though scared, she was somewhat gratuitous for not being bounded for a change.
"Why ain't we trying to sell her here?" one of the bandits asked the leader as they started to cross the Imperial Highway.
"There ain't no good buyers here. There's a much better chance at Redcliff. At least there are nobles there."
Night fell once more and the gang resumed their routine of camp set up and tying the little elf's wrists behind her.
"You were a good little elf today," the leader chuckled. "Obedient… you're quite a prize." He stood and started making his way back to the fire. Over his shoulder he said, "We'll find you a nice noble for you tomorrow. How 'bout that?"
It wasn't long until their rowdiness escalated. The drinks they picked up in Lothering were refreshing. Meanwhile, Violet began her chant once more. "I want to go home, I want to go home." Though, as young as she was, she realized they were going to send her away with a stranger tomorrow and dreaded the idea of him being like them. Harder she prayed and willed to run away.
A gust of wind brushed against her, sending cool shivers throughout her body. It stung her raw wrists. She hated the rope that bound her and started to will for it to go away. Another gust of wind came, but this time only brushed against her wrists. Again, the air nipped her flesh, but her binds suddenly felt loose. Hesitantly, she pulled her arms apart and noticed the bind had given away. There was enough slack to wiggle her hands free. She looked up at the bandits sitting and conversing merrily around the fire. None of them seemed to be paying attention to her.
With her hands now free, she crawled behind the tree and bolted into the forest. She ran as fast as she could and didn't look back. The voices of the bandits grew softer. She couldn't stop. She knew if she did, the bandits would be after her. Don't get tagged, she thought to herself. Don't get tagged.
Finally, her little legs and lungs forced her to rest. She fell to her knees and panted heavily. Her eyes swelled hoping the bandits still hadn't noticed her absence. Violet wiped her eyes and nose on the end of her sleeve. As she stood to run once more, she looked up, into the forest. It was a lot darker without the campfire around, but the moon was full and she could still make out the silhouettes of the rocks and trees. In the distance she noticed several small yellow lights bunched together. Her curiosity and fear of the dark made her head in that direction. Slowly, she made her way toward the twinkling lights.
Her feet were sore and her stomach growled, but Violet kept walking. She stood atop a mountainside and viewed the village. She did not know what she saw was the bustling village of Redcliffe. All she knew was that this was a place to hide. Nearing the village, she started to creep behind crates and barrels. Though the citizens were slowly retiring to their huts, she couldn't help but notice they were all human. Eventually, she found a stable beside the chantry where the horses were kept. There was a small shed in the back corner and she quickly snuck toward it. The door creaked as she peeked inside. The moonlight pierced through the window, laminating the shed just enough to show a blanket draped over a small pile of hay. In a matter of seconds, she was laying under the blanket, fast asleep.