Well, how bout that! I'm happy to see a few people like this idea so far. So here's the next chapter. I do apologize for taking so long, I hope I won't take so long for my next chapters. Thank you again for the reviews, you are amazing. Makes me want to keep writing. (^_^)
I should also explain that I am still using Alicia. Only different background story. Same characters, different plot kind of thing. But not to worry, my first story is still being worked on as well. Soooo, please tell me what you think.
Chapter 2 - To a new world
In the end, the real voyage of discovery is not so much the new lands I land on, but the new eyes that I have gained, and the footsteps that I have left behind.
Alicia held on tight to the boat that bobbed this way and that. How could a vacation turn so quickly into the fight of her life against a sudden tidal wave?
Her new job sent her to the Caribbean Islands, which she enjoyed every second of it. Until this! She scrambled for high ground, only to be washed away again. Who knows how long she had been fighting? Who knows where she was exactly now?
Grabbing onto anything that floated and supported her weight, she gripped with all her might, feeling her consciousness ebbing away. She closed her eyes for a moment to stop the dizziness. Everything slowly faded to silence.
" Hey there's someone here!"
" What? Who?"
" I- I don't know. A woman."
" Let me see….She don't look like she's from the Middle Lands…"
" She has no collar either. Let's get her to the inn."
The sound of a door opening stirred Alicia. Where was there a door that was still on its hinges? Are those footsteps?... I'm in a bed!
After realizing all this, she kept her eyes closed and listened. Someone was trying to be quiet as they moved about in the room. There was the sound of fabric being handled and curtains being pulled a bit. The newcomer came to stand by Alicia. A warm and soft hand was placed on her forehead, and the sheets pulled off bit to allow ventilation. Soon the newcomer left and the door was closed back. That's when she opened her eyes.
Her room was made in a very old fashioned style. Knotted pined planks for the walls, flower curtains, a plain wooden dresser, candle holders on the wall and one on the nightstand, and a simple chair decorated the room.
" She's not awake yet."
Alicia heard a female voice echo from the other side of the door.
" How's she looking?" Said a male voice.
" She's warmed up quite a bit, back to normal. She's breathing normally. Right now she's just sleeping." The female voice answered. " Did she say anything at all?"
" No." A third male voice answered. " We just found her lying on the sand. There was a lot of debris around. I'm guessing she was lost at sea on a boat somewhere. But there's nothing on her person that really gives a good clue of where she's from."
" Well, one things for sure." The first male voice said. " She is from the Middle Lands. Women don't dress like that, showing off their calves or arms."
Alicia remembered then that she was wearing shorts that went just past her knees and a muscle shirt.
" Poor things covered in bruises and scratches." The female stated. "That storm earlier must've caught her. We'll see what she says when she wakes up. Alethel? Come let's go finish dinner and clothes."
" Yes my lady." Said another foreign male voice.
Alicia was boggled now. What was going on? Did she have sea water in her brains? After a few minutes, she quietly rose from her bed, a layer of sand falling from her, and went to peek out of the window. The sight nearly blew her mind.
This was not the same beach she saw yesterday. The sand was more tan colored than white. Where are the people swimming in their bathing suits?
As far as she could see, there was nothing similar to the island she was on.
The next option, go back to sleep or meet the people?
Taking deep, calming breaths to get her story straight, she decided to go and meet the people
Gingerly she crept outside the room. Immediately she was in a kitchen. The kitchen furnishings were the same. The room to the left was the kitchen, if the noise was anything to go by, and to the right was the front door.
" Oh. You have awaken." A clear voice from the kitchen caught her attention.
Standing in the archway was a fair looking man, slender build, long hair and angular features. He was a bit pretty for a guy.
He offered a small bow and smile. " I am Alethel. My Lady Gisha would like to speak with you."
Alicia stared at him like he was speaking like TAZ to Bugs Bunny. "…Okay."
" I shall fetch her." The fair man said as he walked away gracefully.
Alicia looked around the place, considering if she should just bolt right now before things got too weird. But she stayed, she needed help after all.
Quickly, Alethel came back with an older lady behind him. He returned to the Kitchen after the older woman entered the room.
" Well, hello there." Gisha greeted with a smile. " Good to see you're up. How are you feeling?"
" Better, a little sore. Thanks for asking." Alicia answered with her own smile.
The woman height came right up to Alicia's chest. But then again, Alicia stood at five foot ten, most people were shorter than her.
Gisha gave her a once over. " Well, you don't seem to have suffered anything major so that's good. I've got some balm and bandages for some of your deeper cuts. Come and sit, I'll take care of them better and you can tell me how you got here. My name is Gisha. What yours?
" Alicia." She smiled.
" Please tell me what happened."
Alicia did as she was requested as Gisha went right to work. " I was on a business trip at the Caribbean islands when we were suddenly hit by an unexpended tidal wave."
Gisha hummed sympathetically. " Where are you from?"
" I'm from Texas."
" Texas? I've never heard of such a place. And mind you we are a family of sailors. We have to know our maps. Do you know where you are now?" Gisha asked.
" No ma'am I don't have a clue really."
" You are in the city of Servatis, located on the biggest Isles of the Lone Isle chain, which in all, is three large ones and one small one." Gisha informed.
" Servatis? I've never heard of that and I actually enjoy studying maps myself." Alicia said as she helped wrap some of her wounds.
Alethel came in with a tray of tea and biscuits which he placed on the table.
" Thank you Alethel." Gisha said.
" You are very welcome my lady." He said with a smile as he walked back to the kitchen. Gisha noticed Alicia staring at the man, particularly his pointed ears.
"Never seen an elf before?" She smirked.
" Elf? A real elf?" Alicia gawked.
" Oh dear. You're in for huge surprise missy." Gisha laughed humorously. " This island is inhabited by all kinds of peoples. Only, they serve as slaves. Some of us however, don't believe in the cruelty that can be associated with the idea of slavery. So, not all slave owners are brutes mind you. But, most are." She informed in a forlornly voice. " What are your thoughts on slavery?"
Alicia tilted her head in thought. " Well, it depends on which definition you are referring to . For instance there's the original definition that took place centuries ago in my homeland. In which the slave was a paid worker and chose where they wanted to work if the master had room for them, and they were called slaves because they happened to be the workers that lived with the master instead of just working for him. Then there's the bit more modern definition, in which the slave works for extremely low pay or for free and does whatever the master tells him to do. That may also include unjust beatings and freedom confiscated practices. If you are referring to the latter, then I am completely against it and is why I resided in a home country that banned slavery in all forms."
Gisha listened to her explanation, thoroughly impressed with her answer and indication of education. " I see. Well then I do believe you and I are going to get along just fine. Alethel here is technically a slave according to the public, but we treat him like one of the family. My husband saw him being beaten unfairly and bought him from his previous owner a few years ago. Let the public think he's still a slave, but between us, he is a free elf." She said between sips of tea.
The front door was opened and in walked two older men.
" Hoy there. Our guest is awake." The first man, tall with a thick black beard walked in. He took off his jacket and hung it on the table.
The second man, a sandy brown haired guy with a trimmed goatee and a small pony tail walked in behind him.
" You certainly look like you've seen better days." The first man half joked as he eyed Alicia's shoulders, arms and legs that were now almost completely wrapped in bandages. " Gisha's taken good care of you. Name's Willam."
" Alicia. Nice to meet you." She stood up and held out her hand to shake his.
Politely he took it and smiled.
Alicia shook hands with the second man whose name was Cabel.
Gisha summarized Alicia's predicament to the men. Willam, her husband, nodded solemnly as he listened. Cabel's eyebrows kept climbing up his face. Alethel served dinner as they spoke, even the elf was stumped by Alicia's predicament.
Fish stew was served with fresh bread and milk, water or beer to drink.
" Well, Alicia." Willam began. " I'm afraid I haven't the slightest clue how to get you back home. You may find something in the library's studies, but to be honest I doubt you'll find much. You may want to consider, well living in Servitus for the time being."
Alicia's eyes fell a bit at the news, but discovering a new place always excited her. The difference this time was that she had no home, no permanent place to return to after her discoveries. She had to start from scratch it seemed and learned to live in a new location entirely.
" What can I do? How would I go about doing that?" She asked slowly.
Gisha answered as she poured some more water for herself. " Well, you can stay here with us for the time being till you find a better place. You can look for jobs that you can do for a little money and as you stay with us, we'll show you how to live in a place like this. Are you alright with that Will?"
Between mouthfuls, Willam answered. " Of course. Doesn't seem like there's a better option anyway. You got any special skills?"
" Well, I'm a pretty good artist, writer, performer." Alicia answered.
Cabel raised an eyebrow. "Performer? What kind of performer?"
Alicia tried not to look at him like he was an idiot. " The kind that performs in movies or plays." She said evenly.
Cabel nodded in relief. " Oh good. The decent kind."
" Yes. Always the decent kind." Alicia deadpanned.
Gisha smiled. " Well, you can be a fisher with us for a while if you'd like too. Know anything about that?"
" I know how to fresh water fish." Alicia perked. " Haven't done salt water fishing before, but I can learn."
" Now that's a positive attitude. You sure are taking this rather well." The kind old lady observed.
Alethel was silently taking in all the information as he ate. " Perhaps you can accompany Lady Gisha to the city and see what they have at the job listings, or the library."
" May I?" Alicia asked politely.
Gisha patted her hand. " Of course you can. We'll leave tomorrow morning. Tonight while you bathe, I'll change those bed sheets and find something for you to wear."
" Thank you." Alicia said with a small smile.
Alicia was going to help clean up the table, but Alethel waved it away and gestured to the bath room instead. Gisha showed how the stove under the tub worked and how to keep it from boiling oneself alive. She showed how their toilets worked, which was a similar contraption to her world's first toilets. Instead of the water tank being directly above the head, it was lower down and at the side. The same 'stopper and lever' concept was there too.
Alicia was sure happy to get all the sand out of her hair though. She sank deep into the hot water to relax. There was a tube at one end of the tub where the dirty water was washed down. How modern, yet a simplistic style.
She was given a long gown and some pajama pants to sleep in and a long tunic style shirt with leggings to wear for tomorrow.
Now in a much more comfortable setting, Alicia drifted to sleep.
The door to Alicia's room was opened gently and Gisha peeked inside.
" Alicia? It's time to get up. Breakfast is ready."
"Coming…" Alicia muttered. Quickly she got dressed and ate breakfast with Willam and Gisha. Willam was going to do some more fishing today.
As Alicia walked with Gisha down the road, she noticed Gisha suddenly go quiet.
Gisha cleared her throat. " Now, I don't know what your world is like, but from what I did hear it's very different. You will undoubtedly see things that may confuse or disturb you. Just stay close to me alright?"
" Okay." Alicia said evenly as she walked beside her. They walked to a barn where a horse and small carriage was at. Alicia helped attach the horse to the carriage and soon they were off.
Alicia listened to Gisha as she explained more about the city. She explained that the entire realm was run by a dictatorship, ruled by a man who had an iron fist behind a velvet glove.
Alicia observed some of the farm lands they passed. Indeed, she saw people working in the fields. Some looked like elves, some very small people less than half her size, and some with long beards. She couldn't help but gawk at the various forms passing by. This was for real!
Gisha paid close attention to Alicia though, observing how she reacted.
When Alicia turned back to look at Gisha, the older lady simply nodded ahead and changed the subject by talking about what they were going to do in the city.
" We'll first stop at the baker's to pick up fresh bread. Then I need some more vegetables, and also the herb and remedy shop. From there, we can check the library or the job listings to see if you find anything."
" Sounds good." Alicia stated. " How long has it been like this? Slaves and all?"
" Almost since the first years of Servatis being established. There was the First War where invaders tried to overtake the city and failed. The surviving attackers were put to slavery and things escalated from there." Gisha answered.
" Ah the baker's." The lady pulled the horse to a stop and hinged the animal to a post. Alicia, with a friendly smile on her face, followed the woman inside.
The smells were heavenly. The girl took in deep breaths of freshly baked goods as her eyes roamed to the store. There was another woman at the far end of the store with a basket tray balancing on her hip. She turned and waved. "Oh hello there! You're just in time for some fresh out the oven baguettes!"
Gisha waved back. " Hoy there Suzie. Good to see you're alright too. No baguettes today thank you. Just here for some loaf bread if you have any."
Suzie put down her tray and walked over to where her loaf breads were. " Of course, I have wheat, white wheat, regular white. Pick what you want."
Alicia could tell simply by the way Suzie strutted, the posture she assumed when stationary, this woman was quite proud of her alluring figure.
Alicia ignored the suggestive body language though as she listened to the ladies talk.
Gisha gestured to Alicia. " This is a friend of mine, Alicia. Alicia this is Suzie, one of the local bakers here."
" Hello. Nice to meet you." Alicia smiled.
" Hello to you. Welcome to my humble shop." Suzie joked with a large smile.
There was a bit more small talk about some boy trouble and the storm blowing off a branch that nearly broke through one of Suzie's windows before Gisha made her purchase and bade farewell.
Next were the grocery shops to buy vegetables. Alicia walked alongside Gisha again, taking in the sights and smells. She admired some of the décor of the street lamps, outside tables, and architecture of the buildings. The people, even the humans had an alien vibe to Alicia. The jangling of chains from passerby made Alicia shiver uncomfortably. She shook her head to focus on other subjects.
At least the food, for the most part, was normal. Cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, apples, and beef were being distributed between Alicia's and Gisha's arms. Alicia noted that the currency here was made of different colored coins. Copper coins were like one dollar bills, Silver were like ten dollar bills and Gold was like fifty dollar bills.
People here seemed to live lives of plenty. They worked hard only when they needed to, and content to let someone else do the work if it was an option. How very human.
Next was the herb shop. The building was a humble little store with sale signs and plants in the window. Lots of natural smells assaulted Alicia's nose as she walked through the doors. Pungent smell of valerian root was identified, along with the familiar and strong aroma of lavender.
" Come in come in!" said a short man behind the counter. He adjusted his glasses as he observed his two customers.
Gisha greeted him in a friendly manner as she told him the cooking herbs she needed. She also requested some healing balms as well. Alicia was distracted by some of the flowers and didn't expect a bag of some cut cilantro and other herbs to be thrown at her. She furrowed her brow as she stared at the bag on the ground. Gingerly she picked it up the bag and walked to Gisha. Another smaller bag was tossed at her that had a glass jar inside it. This time she did see it coming and caught it before it hit her chest. The herb shopkeeper was throwing the merchandise at her! She gave him a dirty look and threw it all back at him as he passed by.
The man stopped his chattering instantly and turned about with a shocked face. The glare Alicia gave him made him stutter a bit. She flared her nostrils in irritation as the man gave her his own annoyed look. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't throw your products at me like that." She spoke to him seriously.
Gisha noticed this too, she put down a plant she was examining and went to her side. " Mister Bohedan, this is a friend of mine, NOT a slave."
Alicia's glare intensified for a moment when she realized that she had been mistaken for a slave. The nerve of some people!
Mr. Bohaden harrumphed and picked up the supplies that were thrown at him; he composed himself as he walked back to the stand. "My apologies miss. I wasn't paying attention."
Alicia's gaze softened a bit after his apology, though she still had a small frown.
Gisha shook her head a bit, she paid for the supplies that she needed. " Would you like anything?" she asked Alicia.
"Mmm… do you sell teas here?" Alicia asked gingerly.
" No ma'am. Mostly medicinal and seasoning plants really." Mr. Bohaden answered.
Gisha smiled happily though. " Oh you like tea as well? I think we should pay the local tea shop a visit." She bade the herbalist farewell and happily led Alicia down the street.
Gisha seemed in a much more relaxed state now, which was a good sign to Alicia.
Like an obedient child, she followed Gisha everywhere. Even a few hours later, Alicia's eyes were still widened with the new sights. The people were familiar and foreign at the same time. Some styles reminded her of the steampunk genre. Some styles were more roman and some even similar to Asian cultural notes.
Gisha beckoned her inside a pretty little building, maroon in color. There were lovely paintings of tea cups, tea leaves, and names of teas and coffees.
All in all it was a very welcoming place. Inside was an even warmer environment.
Victorian style chairs and tables, samples of teas sitting at the side, and the relaxing aroma of sweet smells everywhere.
" Woooow." Alicia commented.
Gisha chuckled a bit. "A lovely place isn't it?"
A door that led to the back room suddenly opened and closed. Alicia didn't see who or what had opened the door until a curly-headed, auburn colored little girl popped up at the front stand.
" Good afternoon!" The little girl said. " Welcome to the Tea Shop! My name's Goldlocks, can I help you with anything?" She said with a big smile.
Gisha walked up. " Oh there's my little hobbit friend! How are you?"
Goldocks smiled as they greeted each other. Gisha introduced Alicia and Goldocks to each other, summarizing what exactly was a hobbit.
Goldocks's eyes grew big and even a bit apprehensive, due to the extreme height difference between the two. But after a few more friendly comments, the fear melted away.
Another woman came in from the back room. This lady was much more slender built than both Gisha and Alicia. She was dressed in a fashion of a Victorian period, matching the building.
A large smile stretched across her face as she came striding in as quickly as possible. " Hello and welcome to my shop! So sorry for not meeting you sooner. Good to see you miss Gisha. And hello to you." The woman greeted Gisha and Alicia. The Victorian lady walked with grace and elegance, clearly well groomed manners.
Gisha gestured. " This is Alicia. Alicia this is Jeva."
Jeva stretched out her hand. " A pleasure darling. I've not seen many like you before. Where are you from if you don't mind my asking."
Before Alicia could start stuttering, Gisha answered for her. " She's new in town. Quite possibly a new little bird in our flock."
Jeva's eyebrows flew up to her head, even which was a graceful gesture on her fair face. "Oh Really?"
Alicia wasn't sure what the bird and flocks metaphor really meant, she'll have to ask about it later. For now, a smile.
" How nice, well allow me to welcome you with some of my personal favorites I have here. Do you like tea deary?" Jeva asked with a warm smile, she ushered all of them over to a table. Goldocks came with some saucers and biscuits to eat while Jeva came back with three kinds to try.
Alicia loved tea, so trying each kind was very enjoyable to her. She tried not to stare at the hobbit that happily smiled as she served everyone before sitting down herself. At one point Goldocks caught her nosy eyes, and offered a friendly smile in return. Alicia smiled back sheepishly and made it a point not to stare anywhere for too long.
Jeva blew her cup a bit as she asked. " So miss Alicia. A pretty name. What do you think of Servatis thus far?"
" Oh! Um… It's a very nice city with beautiful architecture." Alicia started. "Though to be brutally honest, I'm not overly thrilled about the slavery activity."
Goldocks watched her curiously. Gisha gave a small smile.
" Beg your pardon, but you are saying that you don't like slaves. Am I correct?" Jeva asked casually.
" I don't like the act of slavery." Alicia corrected. "Where I'm from, slavery is illegal."
Jeva gave a nod. " I see. Well, glad to hear you think so. I agree with you."
The apprehension that Alicia was just feeling had disappeared.
Jeva asked more questions to Alicia, politely asking her about her previous jobs and skills. Jeva was especially happy to hear that Alicia was a good artist. Jeva offered to pay her if she helped come up with a color scheme and mural for one of her rooms. The newcomer immediately agreed to that.
So far, Jeva and Goldlocks were the only two people Alicia met inside the city that she felt comfortable with. It was perhaps the most pleasant visit she had yet. Jeva gave a few samples of other teas for them to try.
Gisha and Alicia made it back to their cart and wasted no time getting back home.
Her husband and friend were out fishing again, Alethel greeted them and helped carry their groceries.
" How was your visit into town?" Alethel asked Alicia.
" The city is very diverse." Alicia commented.
" Of course it is." The elf said in a slight tone implying " duh".
A week later, Alicia was beginning to get the hang of the new place. She learned how to operate a home that was quite different than her old home.
Cleaning fish with a regular knife instead of electrical one was much harder, so she was only allowed to clean the smaller ones for now. Willam seemed impressed with Alicia's ability to fillet a fish at all. He practically picked her brain about how people where she was from would fish. When He heard how her father was a fisherman, and how this activity reminded her much of home, Willam gave a nod of understanding and offered to teach her more about doing it here. Another offer that Alicia took immediately.
Two months into it, she went fishing with Willam sometimes, learned how to cook other times. She learned more about other races of people from Alethel, and sometimes went on walks by herself. Sometimes the elf would come with her for safety precautions and to help encourage her when Alicia decided to go jogging.
Alethel, Gisha and her husband always offered an ear when Alicia grew homesick.
And in turn, they learned about her younger brother and cousins and how protective she was of them.
Alicia became acquaintance with other fishers and neighbors around. She offered assistance with animals and other jobs as well.
It was a simpler life than what she was accustomed to, but at least the people she was around were kind.
After going on so many trips to town with Gisha, she was able to memorize the basic places that they always went to.
Whenever she saw a sad looking slave or one being abused, she said a quick prayer for them. She especially prayed for those in the 'slave pound'; where all the people who weren't bought or being returned, would go. She didn't even want to begin to think about what they did in there. Naturally her thoughts fantasized about ways of freeing them and maybe even overthrowing the current government. But naturally, she reeled her mind back and chose instead to bid her time and learn as much as she can before really making any move, especially when she wasn't really making her own income yet.
Still, she did her best to blend in with the crowd.
Going home was a peaceful trip, until she turned the corner of the road and peered down to Gisha's house. Alicia pulled the cart to stop. There was a small group of horses tethered to a pole and being watched by a rather unfriendly looking man. Why would they be at her house?
Already Alicia didn't like the atmosphere and thought about possible options to take. Should she ask a neighbor? Should she sneak up and spy on them?
Concern and panic bubbled in Alicia's mind, unsure of what to do. Maybe she's just being too paranoid about it all. She's done that before. She urged the horse forward again.
There was an old wooden pole that always laid in the back of the cart, maybe she could use it in case things got a bit too violent. Alicia pulled the pole closer to her to grab easier. When she was almost to her house, she saw two kids hiding behind some barrels. The cart was parked and she got off with the pole.
" Hey there." She said to them.
The girl and boy looked up at her. The boy put his finger to his mouth. " Some guards are in your house."
Alicia crouched down with them. " Why are they here?"
" We don't know. But Miss Gisha and her husband are in there too, with Alethel."
It was now or never. The possible consequences of her actions kept her hesitant to do anything. She should at least get closer to hear more right?
Carefully she jogged over to the house, pointedly avoiding the areas that had windows.
Voices were louder now, if still a bit muffled.
The unknown voices questioned Gisha and Cabel about slave escapes, if any came this way. There was also mention of some group of civilians that are suspected of assisting slaves to escape. The back porch door opened and out walked Alethel with a bucket of dirty water. He dumped the dirty water out on the grassy area.
" Alethel." Alicia whispered in a voice really no human ears could hear. The elf didn't react and for a moment she thought he didn't even hear her. Until he stood up and walked over to the corner of the house she was hiding. He pretended to busy himself with some ropes and whatnot.
The elf glanced at her pole and raised an eyebrow questioningly before speaking.
" They are guardsmen on a specific mission. They are looking for information or any escaped convicts or slaves."
" Why are they asking Cabel and Gisha?"
" Because they were seen in an area where such activity was taken place. Perhaps they may know something that could aid their search. Stay here miss. There is no need to get involved I assure you." The elf smiled thinly in reassurance. " I'll come back when they've gone." With that he left quietly.
With a sigh, Alicia did as was requested.
It was a twenty minute wait and even that was incredibly boring. Finally though, Alethel came back to usher her in.
Cabel stood leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, a sour look on his weathered face. Gisha stood by the front door, watching the guards leave.
Cabel glanced up at her in time to see her rest the pole up against the wall before coming in. " Just what were you planning on doing with that?" He asked with a hint of amusement.
Alicia shrugged sheepishly. " In case of trouble really. I didn't know what was happening."
Alethel left to fetch the horse and wagon while Gisha put on some ginger tea.
" Good that your back deary. We won't be going into town for a while." She said in a sad and tired voice.
"Alethel told me a little of what's going on. Supposedly you were there where some convict was at?" Alicia asked.
Gisha looked at her seriously with sharp eyes before answering. " We may have been in the same area yes." Her answer was too curt for Alicia's liking.
" And?" Alicia inquired knowingly.
Cabel also glanced seriously at her. " It was a slave woman and her child, hobbits.
They were trying to get back home. We may have helped smuggle them out of the city outskirts." He paused to watch Alicia's reaction closely.
" Did it work?" was all she asked.
" Aye. We got them as far as the waterfalls. Some shark fishers took her and smuggled them away from this island."
Alicia visibly relaxed after hearing that. Then the reality of it came back. She looked up at her foster family. " Do they still suspect you? What happens next?"
Gisha poured the tea in four cups to serve. " Now we pretend like nothing is wrong. We keep an eye out for suspicious behavior."
Cabel moved to sit at the table with his cup. "I know you told us how much you don't support slavery and all, it's fine not to have slaves here, but it is punishable by imprisonment or death if you help slaves to escape. We don't mean for you to get involved in this dirty business and we're not asking you to help, just to keep it quiet and turn your head. Understand?"
" I do understand. " Alicia responded uncharacteristically serious. " I'm glad you helped, and actually I'm all for it if you do need my help. I'd like to know more about it, like what I can and can't do to a guard if one ever harasses me."
Gisha gave a thin, even slightly sad smile to her. Cabel merely nodded grimly.
During dinner was when they decided to answer some of her questions. It was a lot more to take in than she had anticipated. The guards here were similar to how one regarded sheriffs in America, only with a few differences of course, though the jobs were basically the same.
Alicia wanted to know more about defending oneself, since they didn't have guns here and all. Gisha wasn't overly excited about the idea. Alethel offered to teach her though, and Cabel seemed to agree with it.
The next day was her first lessons. Alethel started her off with running exercises and stretches. That alone took some time. Embarrassingly enough, Alicia was not a long distance runner, though her agility was at least acceptable to the elf.
Alethel ran with her all the way to Gisha's mother's house, to the waterfalls then circle back through and old dirt road of small farms. There was always something so peaceful and tranquil about the beautiful scenery. Alethel would talk to her and tell her stories about their world to help keep her mind off the burn in her legs. He told her of the five different islands here. He told her about the lands of Middle Earth and his own people. Alethel had family that lived in a place called Rivendell, the last homely house. It wasn't easy at first and she had to take lots of breaks before she could make it home, but after long months of training, she was finally able to run half the way home before stopping.
As a celebration, Gisha and her family made homemade Zala. Zala was their version of sushi. Cabel and his parents Dekal and his wife Ronia, Alethel, Gisha and her parents, Mako a' and his wife Came'Makani, also came to visit.
Alicia learned that Cabel came from a family who's traditions were similar to that of Israeli, while Gisha's family had more similarities to the Hawaiian culture. Gisha's full name was Gisha' kamaki; which had a rough translation to 'Rainbow shark fish'.' Her father's names meant 'shark hunter' and her mother's name meant 'Rose or camelia wind.' Cabel's name meant 'deeply rooted'. His father's name meant 'Palm tree' and his wife's name meant 'beloved'.
Gisha came from a long line of shark fishers and crustacean fishers who get most of their meats from the sea. Cabel also came from a long line of fishers and farmers who usually venture further out. Both grandparents were all too happy to share their family lines and history to Alicia.
Throughout the months, Alethel trained her in defense training. Cabel offered her a job as a fisher to learn how to make her own money until she found something else or stay as a fisherwoman.
There were times when the grief of her old life was too much to push back anymore, and she needed time to herself or to talk it out with someone. Alethel was always lending her an ear. And if he couldn't, she'd share her old life with the grandparents whenever she went to visit them. It made her somber and sad that things had changed and some of the things she loved the most were now gone, but her new life that she was beginning to establish wasn't so bad either. At least not for her, any slaves she saw made her immediately become grateful for the blessings she had been given.
It was almost an entire year since Alicia had been living here. She had journals of notes that she kept to remember her old world as well as portraits (to the best of her abilities) drawn of her old family members.
Jeva, the tea shop merchant loved her new painting and designs for her shop. In return Alicia was paid and even given some free teas to take to the family. She stayed as far away from any guard as possible, without attracting too much attention.
Alethel became more like a brother than a loyal servant. This was solidified by the 'play' fights they got into, or the little pranks they played on each other. Especially when Gisha had to yell at them to 'stop that flapping around' when there was no time for play.
" Like two mullet fish you are!" Gisha would half joke, half scolded. " And clean up your messes!"
Alicia and Alethel rode swiftly back home from buying groceries from the city. Alethel informed her about different occupations men and women usually had.
The elf casually explained everything as they rode, till suddenly he was interrupted by the sound of something breaking and the cart suddenly tipping down it's left side. The horse stumbled a bit before he regained his footing and he snorted irritably. Alethel would have fallen onto Alicia had he not braced himself and Alicia was about to tumble out had it not been for her right foot catching and Alethel also holding her.
Alicia gave Alethel a dumbfounded look. " What happened?"
" A wheel must've broken." Alethel said with a sigh. He gently helped her find her footing and climbed down himself.
As Alicia unhitched the horse from the wagon, the elf examined the wheel. He quickly unlatched a compartment at the side of the wagon where some kind of jack was. " At least now would be a good time to show you how to change a wheel."
To Alicia it was the same concept as changing attire, just slightly different tools, so learning it was quick and easy. Just as Alethel was putting up the tools when he froze suddenly. The girl didn't think much about it till she finally heard something move in the tall grass.
Before she could even realize it and act, someone bolted out of the grass like a wild animal.
Aletehl was faster though. He whirled around with a bar in his hand held in a defensive position. He swung out at the attacker and knocked him on the ground easily enough. The intruder fell in a clumsy heap on the ground, emitting a rough grunt. Alethel held the pole towards the intruder, glaring a silent threat at him.
Alicia felt like an idiot, having just stood there instead of reacted, but now that she was out of her stupor, she joined the elf.
The man leered up at the two, wheezing heavily from running. That's when Alicia noticed that this person was actually a dwarf. Complete with a long unruly beard, braids everywhere, not to mention grass blades and dirt, he slowly climbed to his feet with a surprised look and uncertain frown on his face.
" What's going on here?" Alicia asked stupidly.
Both elf and dwarf gave a side glance at her before resuming their glare at each other.
" Out of my way elf." The dwarf growled, lowering into a slight crouch. " Or they'll beat us all."
" What? Who?" Alicia asked.
Alicia was answered with shouts from the tall grass, men sounding like they were fast approaching. The dwarf's back stiffened.
" Get out of here. Now!" The dwarf demanded.
The elf seemed torn and didn't move as the dwarf tried to bolt to the left. He only made it so far before a large man jumped at him. They wrestled on the ground for a moment before the large man punched him across the face with something akin to brass knuckles, then subdued the dwarf with chains.
Followed by him were two other men, humans, sneering, laughing and mocking the dwarf's bloody face.
Alicia glowered disapprovingly at the men. Alethel put his hand on her shoulder and gently steered her away. " We must leave."
" Leave? Just like that? Is it really okay to pretend we didn't see that? We're not in the city anymore, it wouldn't be as big a' scene." Alicia rambled on.
One greasy looking man came striding up with an ugly smirk. " Well well. Looks like we found more company today."
Alethel kept himself between the man and Alicia as the man approached.
The woman however, was not impressed at this smug guy in the least.
" That's a pretty elf you got there lady." The man said, completely uncaring of Alethel's dangerous glare. " Seems like he'd go for a pretty sum. I could buy him off you if you'd like? I offer a good price…. 50 gold."
" No."
" No?" The man echoed in surprise. " I've not met very many people who would pass up a deal like that." As he spoke, the other two men came walking up behind him as well, dragging the poor dwarf as well.
Alethel subtly motioned for Alicia to get back on the wagon, which she began to do reluctantly.
As soon as she got onto the wagon, two of the men jumped the elf. Altehel was quick enough to evade them at first.
Alicia grope for another pole, which she jumped back out of the wagon. The horse snorted in discomfort at the fight taking place. As they tried to flank the elf, the girl hit the closest one from behind like playing baseball.
The two fought off the men like wild animals themselves. The larger man came last. He easily grabbed Alicia's bat and wrenched it out of her hands. Alethel was almost just as easily smacked aside. Suddenly he whirled back at Alicia, wrapping both his huge hands around her and lifting her up swiftly. His dung eating smile infuriated Alicia to no end, but also frightened her as he began to utter suggestion of what he would do to a lovely lady like her. That's when Alicia lost it, with her free hand she stuck her knuckles into his eyes. A loud yell came from him and he dropped her. He started swinging around madly and inadvertently hit the horse which sent it running off.
When he was finally beginning to get his vision back, he lunged for the two. Alethel pulled her out of the angry man's way. " Run, hurry." He bade.
Alicia was very reluctant to do so. She spotted the dwarf kneeled on the ground watching the whole scene in an unusually calm manner. The girl pounced on the second man who had the key to his chains and scrambled to the dwarf to free him.
The dwarf eyed her with suspicion as she tried to make quick work of his bonds.
"What are you doing lass?" He asked in a hushed voice.
" I'm freeing you…" She said in a 'duh' tone. After fumbling for the umpteenth time, she finally got him free. The dwarf jumped to his feet just as a gang of men came out of the grass.
Alethel was too fast for the large man's grasp. He steadily pounded the large man with the pole in his hand. However when back up came, Alethel had to retreat. Now it was the three of them, Alicia, Alethel, and the dwarf against ten men with various weapons.
Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she tried to stay in control and not give into fear from being hit by the weapons. Despite it all, she did get hit a few times, enough to knock her back and tears pricking her eyes. It spurred her on to swing more and faster, harder.
Suddenly Alicia was grabbed by the hand. She was yanked nearly off her feet and was now flagging behind Altehel, the dwarf right behind them bringing up the rear. They ran as fast as they could, well Alicia more half ran, half flew.
Alethel led the way, bringing them in a dizzying route through the grass, jumping a fence, and into a small woods that was thick enough to hide. The girl did her best to try to catch her breath. Alethel seemed perfectly fine however while the dwarf huffed even louder than Alicia.
" Those were abusers, those men." The dwarf huffed. He turned to Alethel and Alicia. " I suppose I should thank you for getting me out of there. How do I get to the yellow brigde from here?"
Alethel regarded the dwarf curiously. " You're welcome. Which yellow bridge is that?"
" The one that leads to the potter's shop?"
"Which potter's shop are you referring to?"
The dwarf rubbed his wrists. " Master Wei. The potter, paper maker, painter, martial artist, that human that talks funny."
Alicia raised an eyebrow be musingly at him.
Aletehel tilted his head back. " I , believe I know of whom you speak." He nodded his in another direction. " It's that way."
When the dwarf looked in the direction the elf pointed, he turned back at the dwarf with an even grumpier frown. "Thanks for the specifics! There's nothing but trees that way."
The woman tried not to roll her eyes at it all. " Why are you looking for a potter? Will he help you with the abusers?"
" Don't you worry your pretty little head about that. You should be going home now anyway." The dwarf grunted as he began to pick his way out of the woods.
Alicia looked back to her friend.
Aletehl sighed. " You want to help him don't you?" He whispered only loud enough for her to hear.
" We could at least show him the way. You know it don't you?"
" Yes. Fine. But if it gets too dangerous again, we are turning back. We know nothing about this dwarf's motives." He got up and together they caught up to the dwarf.
" We'll help you get there." Alicia smiled at the dwarf.
The burly male shook his tousled brown hair. " What? Why?"
" Beeeecuase you need help. Aaaaand we want to help you before you go and get lost."
" Do you know who I am?"
" Don't even know your name yet."
" Do you know what I am?"
"…. Does it matter?" Alicia was beginning to get a little irritated herself.
Alethel rolled his eyes. " Clearly he does not want our aid. We should go home before Gisha gets worried."
Alicia regarded the dwarf. " Do you know where you're going?"
" Yes. This way."
" Do you know if this way is the right way to get to the bridge and Potter's shop?"
The dwarf didn't answer any more than his eyes rolling to and fro, which spoke volumes to her. She looked at Alethel.
" It's actually this way." He gestured to the right.
The dwarf grumbled under his breath as he changed direction.
" So, what's your name?" She asked him.
He merely grunted.
" Okay so I'll call you Grunt." She said nonchalantly, earned a smirk from Alethel.
" Why were those men chasing you?"
" Cuz I'm a dwarf, in case you missed that detail." Grunt said.
Her shoulders dropped. " Obviously that. But why you specifically I mean? Why were they wanting to hurt you?"
" Aren't you a curious creature." The dwarf harrumphed again.
" It's not right for them to hit you without a good reason. So why did they do it?"
Grunt gave Alicia side long glance and he gave the elf the same look. "You're not from this place are you? That elf seems all too happy to follow you around."
Alicia grimaced at the dwarf's choice of words. "If you are implying that I indulge in slave owning then you're incorrect. I don't support such abominations."
" Oh look how educated ye are." Grunt noticed, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
" Too sophisticated to get a spec under your fingernail are you? You picked a fight with some men to prove you can handle your own?"
Alicia didn't bother trying to be subtle about her eyes rolling and an annoyed sigh from her lips. "Whatever Grunt."
Alethel chose to intervene. " So you are an escaped slave then, trying to flee from abusive owners. And whatever awaits you at the yellow bridge is going to help you do that."
" Nothing gets past you." Grunt stated again as they marched on.
The walk wasn't all too bad, when they finally reached the bridge; Grunt seemed even grumpier as he looked around.
He jogged ahead as he scanned the location.
" He is grumbling about 'them' not being here…. also something about not giving him enough time… or enough people." Alethel whispered to Alicia.
Grunt sat on the ground by the bank of the small river, a pout on his face.
Alicia approached him. " What's the matter? Wrong bridge?"
Grunt merely grunted again, not answering her question. The moment extended to an awkward silence.
" Look, if you need some help finding a place to stay or something, I wouldn't mind helping you do that." She offered.
"What?" Alethel gasped behind her.
" Said to meet them here… They're not even here…" Grunt grumbled.
" Who?"
" Someone approaches now. A human man." The elf informed.
Sure enough, a lone human man came walking up the bridge watching the three curiously. He was dressed in something akin to traditional Chinese attire. Along braid swung around his back as he walked with long strides and straight back. He had a serious expression on his face as he walked up to the three. The man was a bit shorter in height than Alicia and he offered a deep bow before he spoke.
" Hello my lady. I beg your pardon, I've lost my dwarf, Bulrim here. I see that you've found him. Thank you for keeping an eye on him." The man said. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a small puch, which he tossed to Alicia.
She caught it easily enough and looked at it confusedly. It was a small bag of money.
The dwarf climbed back to his feet as the man spoke again. "I shall be taking him off your hands now. I bid you good day.
"Umm…" She stuttered.
Alethel furrowed his brow in confusion as well, till he looked behind him. "Those men are coming back. We must get out of here."
Alethel grabbed Alicia's hand again and made for the bridge just as arrows came flying at the four of them. The man who came for Bulrim pulled out a scimitar and tossed an axe to Bulrim. All four of them made went back over the bridge as the large group of men, now on horses, gave chase.
The 'Chinese' man led them around the bend and kept going. Just as the abusers on the horses came galloping up, they were pelted with arrows and throwing knives.
Suddenly parts of the ground sprang up, or chunks of trees separated from the main trunk and ambushed the horsemen.
The man and dwarf came to a stop and turned to attack the abusers as well.
Of course, some of the ruffian men escaped the fray and Alicia and her friend were caught up in the fight again. Unarmed, Alicia could do little more than dodge and kick.
Alethel was faring far better luckily.
The man she was fending off though was reckless and blinded by anger. Alicia had to bid her time and, boom. She tackled him to the ground and landed punch after punch until her fist ached and the man fell unconscious. She climbed back to her feet and looked about. She football tackled a man that was attacking Alethel, stealing his club and using it to beat another man who was distracted by the 'Chinese' man.
That man went down pretty easily too after a smack to the side of the head.
Alethel watched her with wide eyes staring at her. " You can stop now. It's over."
He said slowly. " Drop the club, we no longer need it."
She laughed heartily at Alethel's face of fear and uncertainty, which only exaggerated even more when she laughed. She dropped the club as he approached.
" Are you trying to give Gisha and Cabel heart attacks?" He half scolded. "When they find out about this what do you think is going to happen?"
She hung her head in shame. Smiles slowly crept back on both the elf and girl's face.
Looking around at the scene, Alicia saw that the parts of earth that moved were actually people in camouflage outfits. They picked up their discarded weapon and tools that also reminded Alicia of the Chinese culture. She even caught glimpses of the first man she met using martial skills Alicia wished she knew. Another man, blonde haired guy dressed in some kind of light armor that had no indication of who he worked for came walking up with a smile at the man and dwarf.
" Master Wei. Belrim. We were just beginning to wonder what was taking you so long." He teased. He patted the man, Master Wei, roughly on the back.
Master Wei straightened up quickly and smoothened out his sleeves. " Next time, make a plan that doesn't allow this dwarf to jump off buildings."
Belrim harrumphed. " Bah! YOU should have picked a better ambush site RIKARD! Two innocents were dragged into this mess!" He gestured to Alicia and Alethel.
Suddenly the humor was almost completely gone as the two were regarded.
The soldier walked up to them in a casual manner. He offered a smile and small bow. " Good afternoon my lady. I am Rikard. I sincerely apologize for the trouble we've caused and I can compensate you for it all. You are?"
" I'm Alicia. This is Alethel. I'm sorry, Mister Rikard. But who were those men? Why were they wanting to hurt Grunt?" Alicia asked.
" Grunt?"
" Your dwarf friend…um…."
" Bulrim." Alethel finished.
Rikard blinked, then threw his head back in laughter. " Grunt? That's perhaps the most comical thing I've heard all day. I shall explain, but first if I may ask you some more important questions that my job requires of me. First, do you have any injuries I may tend to? It looks like your face has a cut."
" Just cuts and bruises thank you." Alicia looked at Alethel questioningly. The elf shook his head indicating that he was fine.
Rikard nodded, " Good then. What of your slaves? Your elf is fine. Did you have any others?"
" No." She answered curtly.
Belrim walked up. " She says she doesn't support slavery."
Rikard's eyebrows rose. " Is that so? That explains your mad woman attacks on these poor men. Yes, they were abusers, but remind me not to anger you." He joked.
Alethel crossed his arms over his chest. " You bear no emblem, I've not seen any of these people or they're, choice of armor. You are no slavers. Who are you?"
Rikard gave a smile. " We are a renegade group you might say. We stop abusive owners from taking it too far."
" Indeed?" Alethel replied with slyness. " Do you just capture the abusers, or perhaps you actually seek to fully liberate a nonhuman from their captors? Those elves behind you and halflings are lacking collars I see."
Rikard watched her reaction carefully. Master Wei quietly walked up behind him as well, eyeing Alicia and Alethel calculatedly.
Rikard for one, seemed to relax his shoulders a bit as he regarded Alethel with approval. " You speak for your master?"
" Not his master." Alicia deadpanned.
Master Wei raised an eyebrow and glanced at Bulrim.
Alethel's jaw tightened, a sign that he was beginning to grow annoyed as well, though he said nothing.
Master Wei hummed. "I believe that our secret is safe with these two. They're already swept up in this mess anyway." He said to Rikard then turned back to Alethel. " Yes. We are liberators in disguise as common abuse hunters. You have no collar either master elf, and you act more like protector than servant for young misses here. You heard of the Heist?"
Alethel nodded slowly.
" We are members of that group. Small numbers, but strong spirits." He looked down his nose at Alicia. " And you. I thank you for helping beat that man for me. But I must also say you are reckless. Like starving wolf. Need more battle experience."
Alicia stood in silent shock as she listened to this man both congratulate her and scold her. "… Alright. I'm sure I'll get plenty of practice in the future." She answered awkwardly.
Rikard cleared his throat. " If you're ready to return home, my men and I will gladly escort you."
" Yes. Thank you." Alicia and Alethel followed the group back to where some horses were being prepared, some being from the abusers. She caught Alethel's eyes as they waited for a horse. The elf's face was as blank as a cloudless sky. When he did make eye contact with her a discreet smile pulled at the corners of his thin lips.
Master Wei and Bulrim were standing beside two other horses, the dwarf trying effortlessly to take a large vase of wine from the middle aged man. Master Wei however kept it out of his reach as fluently as water though with the same impassive expression on his face. He grumbled back that Bulrim did not need to get drunk right now. This brought a smile to Alicia's face while she watched their antics.
When the horses were ready, Rikard helped Alicia onto a horse with Alethel behind her.
The next second they were off down the road. Not too much longer after that Rikard spoke again. " So what are your thoughts my lady? About this whole ordeal I mean."
Alicia glanced at him. " I've never supported slavery, well at least not this kind of slavery anyway. So I think what you're doing is a good thing. Extremely dangerous too, and I hope that your ranks continue to grow."
" What other kind of slavery is there?" The soldier asked in curiosity.
" Well, I read in history books that there were two types. The first slave was a paid worker who also happened to live with the boss for a while. The second is… well this."
Rikard nodded. " How interesting. I am glad to hear that you approve of our deeds Miss Alicia. I dare say that you displayed an impressive show of bravery back there as well."
" Thank you sir." Alicia said formerly.
" What do you do for your living if I may ask?"
At this the woman cast a glance at the elf before answering. Alethel nodded. " I'm a fisher at the moment."
" A fisher? At the moment you say? Are you looking for another job then?"
" I'm looking around to see what's out there and what I'm good at yes."
Rikard tilted his head slightly in contemplation. " Ever think about becoming a merc?"
" A what?" she asked.
" I do not believe that would be in the best of interests." Alethel stated.
Rikard smiled. " A mercenary. You could join The Unforeseen. It doesn't associate with the city's military. Do not be mistaken, you are not hired just to kill people. Mercenaries do not have to be assassins if they chose not to. You can receive even more training before you take on missions as well. The pay is good if you're good."
Alicia was actually considering this right after he said the part about not having to be an assassin.
Rikard looked at her as she thought about it. "It's just a thought to keep in mind. I am telling you because many members of The Unforeseen are a part of The Heist you see. And we are always looking for people to join our cause."
Alethel hummed suspiciously behind her. Alicia encouraged Rikard for more information. All the way back home he spoke in a more hushed tone about pay, missions, teams or loners, and other benefits. It did intrigue her quite a bit. After reaching home, Alethel returned the horse they rode and Rikard bade farewell, riding back the way he came.
Gisha came bursting out the door. " Where were you two? What happened? Trident came back with an empty wagon!"
Sure enough, their horse was grazing calmly at the side of the small barn, not caring for anything else it seemed. Gisha took Alicia's face in her hands, examining the new cut on her face. She ushered the two in and checked them both for any wounds. The motherly lady went on to talk about Cabel going down the street to find Alicia and Alethel a while ago.
Once she had claimed back down and Cabel had finally come back home after Aalethel fetched him, Alicia began to retell what happened and her interest in becoming a mercenary.
Cabel had a frown on his face the whole time, while Gisha looked a bit more worried. Obviously they all needed more time to think about this new opportunity before making any final decisions. Alicia was okay with that for now. After all, with the mercenaries, one could quit whenever they had to at least.
Sleep came pleasantly quickly that night for Alicia, having had a busy day and all.
Tomorrow she would give it more thought and hopefully her new family would agree with it as well.
And that's how Alicia got here. I thought explaining all this in a separate chapter would have been the best route to go. What do you think of it? As before I am open to ideas, comments, suggestions, etc. Your reviews and PM's will be what encourages this story to continue or not. Thank you again for reading!
Sincerely,
Adeleidhis