Midnight Lamb

All my own now

I love me after you

King of all the land

I'm king of all the land

"It's been five years already... ugh, where's that god damn rosemary... oh, there it is," Valrissa muttered to herself. She was slightly hunched over a small stove, carefully watching her culinary attempt at seared fish. Fresh rosemary, borrowed from her neighbor's garden, was sprinkled on the sizzling fish. The table behind her was set for two, a bottle of red wine standing at the ready in the center. Valrissa's hair had grown longer, her horns stood taller, her claws sharper, and there were marks of age etching themselves into her pale skin.

As she basted the deliciously smelling fish with the succulent juices of the pan, a sudden and unexpected scent reached her nostrils. "Burning? What could possibly... oh, shit." The smokey, bitter scent of fabric filled the air.

Valrissa rushed to the source of the smoke, panic rising within her. "Fuck! Fuck! My scarf!" The fire clung to the scarf for dear life, growing with each passing moment. It died with a small, pitiful sound as Valrissa dunked it into a bucket of water. The air cleared slightly as she threw open the windows to release the smog that had filled her small kitchen.

It was spring today, and the city bustled with activity as the holiday of Greengrass began. Valrissa contemplated going out to the market after her lunch, sensing potential profit in the festivities. Her days of petty theft were long behind her, and the city's economy was changing dramatically. She no longer stole from those who struggled daily, but she couldn't resist the allure of a good opportunity.

Mischievous thoughts danced in her mind as she smirked at the idea. Valrissa had grown comfortable in her life of solitude, honing her rogue abilities, competing in drinking contests, and indulging in the occasional night of fleeting passion. But a nagging feeling of wanting more still haunted her day and night. She considered the possibilities outside Baldur's Gate, wondering how she could make a name for herself and her unique talents.

Thoughts of Gale still crossed her mind from time to time, and each memory brought an ache in her chest. Over the years, the pain had lessened, and the love was replaced by anger. Five years of coping with loss had taught her to keep her distance from others and prioritize her own well-being. She had become adept at pushing people away, whether they were well-meaning neighbors, one-night stands, or even those who attempted casual conversation. She wasn't evil; she simply wanted to be left alone.

Shortly after Gale's departure, she had taken up archery and become proficient at it. She fit the stereotypical image of a rogue, a waste in her opinion. Valrissa often thought of the riches she could acquire with her skills, the power she could hold, and the places she could explore. Her five years of agony felt like a different era, and she had become a mature and talented woman, worthy of only the best that life had to offer.

Despite her tough exterior, Valrissa still set the table for two, though it was always in vain. After finishing her seared fish meal and savoring every bite, she discarded the remains and cleaned up. She changed into her chosen outfit for the day – black pants, a black blouse, a corset, and black boots.

She couldn't help but grumble about the necessary alterations to her clothing, such as cutting holes in her pants for her tail to fit through, mending rips from her claws, and dealing with horns that occasionally got caught on her shirt collars.

Finally dressed and ready for the day, Valrissa stood in front of her chipped and foggy mirror. She examined her deep yellow eyes, her twisted horns, her pale skin, and her long, waist-length black hair. "This hair is too long," she muttered to herself. Carefully, she braided it into a more manageable state and added a bit of eyeliner. For fun, she applied sparkling makeup made of crushed crystals to her eyelids.

As the afternoon sun began to set, Valrissa knew this would be one of her biggest nights of the year, and she was looking forward to it. Greengrass was a time for celebration, and even a lone rogue like her could find some joy in the festivities. The city, bustling with energy, was about to come alive, and Valrissa was ready to embrace it, a far cry from the person she once was.

With one last look in the mirror, she took a deep breath and headed out into the city, ready to see what opportunities and adventures this night would bring.