The End of a Journey Marks the Start of a Tale

[Alexandra Sawyer]

The moment Alexandra's feet touched dry land she faltered, stumbling until she could regain her balance by clutching desperately to one of the large fixtures used for mooring ships at the dock.  Much like she'd experienced when first boarding the ship that had set sail from Dovesport, Abrea, the diminutive girl found herself now having to acclimate herself with walking upon a surface that didn't rock and sway.  She turned her eyes upward, first to the enormous city that stretched out in front of her and then to the bustling crowd swirling about an all sides.  She flattened herself against the metal and wood fixture in an attempt to seem as small and insignificant as possible until she felt confident her legs could support her weight.

Finally, after what seemed like hours (even though it had only been a few minutes), Alex steeled herself and started into the city.  She couldn't help but be awestruck by the sheer size of everything.  Even the capital of Abrea was dwarfed by the immense city-state she hoped to now call home.  Slowly she wandered away from the dock, being mindful to keep her distance from anyone.  She hopped out of the way of a large, hulking man carrying what looked like ship supplies then turned and nearly ran face first into a towering, armored figure holding a shield that bore the Astilon crest.  With a squeak of surprise she dodged the knight and scurried to flatten herself against the nearest wall to regain her bearings.

Again, Alex had to take time to clear the cobwebs from her mind.  She looked out over the sea of people, all heading somewhere in a terrible rush, and sighed.  Compared to the uncertainty of being lost in such a massive city, the ship she'd just spent weeks on had felt like a dream.  For a moment she deliberated whether or not she should try and ask one of the passersby for help finding her way, but she though better of it.  She was obviously as lost as could be and her dirt stained face and tattered clothing showed her status as one of the thousands of refugees that had flooded the city all too clearly.  She may have been naive to many things and knew she would make a promising target for any manner of bandit, thief or thug but she wasn't going to get anywhere by giving in to her fear.

Slowly and with a great deal of caution, Alexandra pushed away from the wall.  "Excuse me."  She announced to whoever was listening.  She had attempted to speak with a strong, confident tone but her voice came out weak, cracking and wavering with obvious uncertainty.  She cleared her throat and tried again, though there was little improvement.  "C-can anyone direct me to the... Enclave?"  She asked weakly before visibly wincing.  If she wasn't a target before she most certainly was now.

[Raine Proctor]

A lot of people enjoyed the outdoors. Especially near the docks where you could see the water. Raine liked it for an entirely different reason. Namely, the fact that when she visited meant she was getting or giving shipments. Right now it was both, and she was keeping a very close track of everything passing her by. "Careful with those barrels." She said pointedly to her own hired help. Getting the spices had been a pain to negotiate. If they were wasted in the dock's waters, Raine would have someone's head. Fortunately they seemed to know better.

Her attention was more drawn to what she was putting on the ship. A few trinkets a buyer had requested in Dovesport. Along with an extra hand to the ship itself. "Make sure the cargo makes it in one piece." She reminded the captain quietly. Transporting people was always more of a hassle. At least cargo could sit still the whole trip and look unassuming. Still, someone had paid good gold to get this person out of the city. Raine was very willing once the purse was placed before her.

The rest of the unloading went off with a hitch. This process was a very old one to Raine at the point. It was like putting on an old shoe. It was far too easy. But then a little scared voice spoke up. Raine looked up and around until her gaze settled on the little girl. She wanted directions to the Enclave? Raine just raised an eyebrow as the rest of her helpers halted for Raine. She looked the girl up and down swiftly. Obviously she was a refugee. They were becoming far more common. "The Enclave? Why yes, yes I can." Raine stated, a friendly smile coming to her face. It was so natural to put on now. It practically seemed real. Even crinkling her eyes. That was the most important part. "Come along then, girl." And then she was off.

[Alexandra Sawyer]

Alexandra absolutely froze when someone had responded to her meek inquiry. It was as if the small, dark haired girl hadn't been fully prepared for anyone to actually speak to her. She went to reply but stumbled mightily over words she hadn't even chosen yet before opting to shut her mouth long enough to regain her composure and try again.

Before doing so, Alexandra took a moment to look up at the woman who had so readily offered assistance. She was taller than Alex, though that was the norm for a girl who barely reached five feet in height, and was strikingly beautiful in a cold, serious sort of way that made Alex far more curious than intimidated. Even then, all Alex could do was stare upward for a few seconds as she came to terms with the fact that she was eventually going to have to talk.

"Oh!" Alex let out a low exclamation of surprise at how quickly she was being waved along. She glanced at the assistants that lingered nearby while the woman seemed to be looking her over, then she nodded. "I don't have any coin to pay you with." Alex blurted out. She didn't want the first thing she had said to the first person she'd met in Goldcrest to be so business sounding but the words tumbled out. "But, um." Her tone softened considerably. "I thank you for your help." She trotted a bit to catch up with the woman's longer strides and glanced up to her. "I'm Alexandra." She said. "I suppose it's obvious I just arrived from Abrea." There would have been much more coming if the naturally talkative Alex hadn't forced herself to cease up and shut her mouth. She doubted anyone cared much about her story just yet.

[Raine Proctor]

The girl completely froze as if she'd been encased in ice. Raine only stared and waited. Obviously she had not been expecting anyone to answer her weak little voice in this crowd. Truthfully, Raine had almost passed her by. But seeing the girl had made her curious, if anything. So she waited for the girl to finally loosen her tongue. Raine was observed first, which amused her more than anything. Finally the girl thought to speak. She exclaimed first, clearly surprised. A faint bit of amusement passed by Raine's expression.

She had no coin. That made her chuckle. "Believe me, darling, I would be more surprised if you had any." Raine voiced smoothly. She was hardly the one for charity. Yet she could afford to entertain a stray for a little while. She was in a good mood from the transaction. And the girl had enough sense to fall in line beside her when Raine went on. Perhaps she wasn't entirely stupid after all. She even thanked Raine. A shocking display of manners. But a pleasing change nonetheless.

"Alexandra, is it? Now there's a unique name." Raine responded, the sweet smile still in place. "You may call me Raine." She added. The girl admitted that she was from Abrea. A fact that even she acknowledged should be obvious. "It is." Raine replied bluntly. "In this day and age, it's not too surprising." It really wasn't. Raine glanced down and eyed the girl once more. "So, the Enclave? That would make you a mage, wouldn't it? Quite the unassuming mage at that. I doubt anyone would suspect you could do harm." Raine remarked, chuckling. "That's a good thing in this city."

[Alexandra Sawyer]

Alex breathed a little sigh of relief. She had expected to find someone who would wish to be compensated for every tiny measure of assistance offered. It was one less thing for the girl to worry about. She'd stepped off the ship with nothing save for the clothes on her back, a crumpled letter from her mother addressed to her sister and a small, brass pendant which she kept tucked in the pocket of her dress.

She returned the woman's smile, though Alex was still faintly guarded for the time being. A friendly voice was pleasant to hear even if Alex found it difficult to trust anyone just yet. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Raine." If they had not been walking Alex would have offered a short, courteous bow. "I... am." Alex hesitantly answered. She'd spent the last two years of her life on the run and those who would see her kind wiped from the world due to the transgressions of a few had wrought so much heartache and grief she was almost ashamed of her abilities. "I've heard stories of how mages are treated here." She said after a long pause. "Is it true they can freely walk the streets?"

[Raine Proctor]

The relief in the girl's exhale was very plain to see. It nearly made Raine titter with amusement. For now she could ride on Raine's good graces. "I must say, however, that you will want to remedy that quickly dear." Raine warned. Raine knew what it was like to be penniless on the streets. Did that mean she was sympathetic to Alex? Hardly. But she could at least offer the girl the same advice offered to her back in the day. "If you don't know how to survive the streets, you'll get eaten alive without coin. Although that would also make you a target for other reasons." Both came with risks, and Raine had experienced either side.

Alex returned the smile, but she was guarded. It was a trait Raine didn't see often in the faces of the newly arrived. Maybe the girl would actually last a little out here. Especially with manners like hers. That was sure to win some people's kindness. She hesitantly admitted she way a mage. Raine could understand the pause. She also could see some turmoil go through the girl's features. A haunted sort of look. Obviously her magic hadn't done her much good. or more likely the stories of those abusing it. Alex asked about how the mages were treated in Goldcrest. It was a smart inquiry.

"It is true. However I would not broadcast that." Raine responded, looking around. "You'll find that individual people can hold their own opinions on the subject. And not all of them are as accepting as the city makes it out to be." Cute or not, there were a few who might make trouble for the little girl. "A bit of free advice, darling. Keep your cards close to your chest. Especially if they can keep you alive."

[Alexandra Sawyer]

Alex listened intently, hanging on every word that the woman offered with hearty nods. As scattered as her mind had been, it sharpened and focused under the weight of the advice Raine was giving. She was equally relieved to hear things weren't nearly as grim as she'd feared and terrified that they weren't exactly good either. She had few skills that could be of use to anyone who would offer her coin and the ones she did have could easily be exploited. Perhaps she'd attempt to find her way to the Enclave where her older sister resided before trying to figure out what else to do.

The nodding continued even after Raine had fallen silent. There was so much for Alex to take in she nearly drifted off into her own thoughts, only coming back to the present when she nearly collided with a brutish looking man clad in armor bearing the crest of the Chevaliers. Alex's eyes remained locked on the man as they walked by, even going so far as to turn to continue eyeing him warily. "W-What if I don't have any cards?" She asked, shifting her attention back to Raine now. "Under different circumstances it may have seemed as though she had taken Raine's advice literally. In this case, though, Alex was merely coming to terms with how unprepared she was for whatever this new life had in store.

[Raine Proctor]

Wasn't she so enthusiastic? All those little nods made Raine think of a child. That or a little lamb, who'd unfortunately been thrown in with the wolves. Little did she know one of the worst ones was walking beside her right now. But she might as well get used to it. Thankfully Raine wasn't in the mood to eat her up. Then the girl would be truly doomed. Although Raine had already made a mental note about the girl. She hardly forgot anyone after meeting them once. Even someone as insignificant as a refugee.

The nodding went on and Alex drifted. Raine didn't say another word, or warn her about the man she nearly collided into. She would need to learn first hand that drifting off was a very dangerous thing sometimes. Luckily the man ignored her and moved on. Alex at least had the sense to keep an eye on him until he disappeared. Then she asked a question. One that made Raine tsk and turn her attention back to Alex. She met her eyes once again, the gaze intenser than usual. "Then you best learn how to bluff, little one." She responded bluntly. It was the truth, whether Alex liked it or not.

Soon enough they reached Raine's shop. She gave a few short but firm orders to her helpers before turning to Alex. "Now then, let's see about getting you to the Enclave." She said with a smile again. She could spare the time for now. Besides, she  could learn more about the little mage. She might end up coming in handy. "So, do you have family here? Or are you completely alone in this little endeavor?"

[Alexandra Sawyer]

The moment Alex asked the question she suspected she wouldn't like the answer. She wasn't so sure if her instincts being right should have been seen as good or bad. She frowned and glanced down for just a second in thought before following the advice she'd been given and snapping her head back up to pay attention to where she was going. Raine was painting a harsh, brutally real picture of the city Alex would now have to call home. "My sister." She answered quietly, her hand drifting to the pocket of her dress where she kept her mother's pendant. Her fingers closed around the metal as she spoke. "She was sent to the Enclave before I was born. I've never met her and... she's not expecting me."

Alex fell silent for a moment, her eyes narrowing some as a thought crossed her mind. "Please don't take this the wrong way..." Nothing anyone could say that started with that phrase could be good. Even Alex knew that. "But with everything you're saying, and I don't want to sound ungrateful, I'd be lost without your help, was I just lucky enough to find the one person willing to help without wanting anything in return or..." Alex trailed off. She wasn't sure how she would explain what she was trying to say anyway. She just knew most people who preached a 'don't trust anybody' mantra were rarely the nicest folk around.

[Raine Proctor]

Alex did not look very pleased with Raine's answer. She was not surprised at all. It wasn't what somebody would want to hear the moment they got into a new city. But it was the truth, and free advice. Both were exceptionally hard to get from Raine. But even if she didn't care what befell the little girl after she left Raine's sight, she figured she might as well give her a bit of a fighting chance. And dispel any fantasies Alex might've had about her new life in the city. Reality was not nice.

She did apparently have family. A fellow mage even, who'd lived in the Enclave for a while. And wasn't expecting Alex at all. That managed to get Raine's attention. "Oh really? No one sent word ahead?" Raine asked. Although that brought a bit of a story with it. Namely questions about Alex's parents. But even Raine wasn't willing to inquire about those. Not yet. it was too forward, even for her.

Alex went silent. Raine could tell she was thinking about something. When she started off the way she did, Raine already knew what would follow. She was very polite about saying she didn't trust Raine. She expected Raine to want something in return. Which was very much correct. Raine had to laugh. She was pleasantly surprised Alex didn't seem as naive as she expected. "Very good." She responded, a rare compliment. "You're right to suspect me. Especially me. Everyone here wants something for something. Me included. But don't worry, my price won't be so bad this time." Raine said, smiling once again. Although this one held a bit of mischief in it this time. "All I ask of you in return is a favor in the future. You don't have any money now, and any you get you'll sorely need. So a favor instead. I promise you that it won't be anything drastic."

[Alexandra Sawyer]

There had been no way to send word, but Alex wasn't ready to explain all that. The war that raged only a few years ago coupled with the hunters that freely roamed the outlands of Abrea, tracking down 'rogue' mages like they were dogs had kept her family from contacting her sister. The color drained from Alex's face as her head shook. "No." Was all she said. It didn't matter if more was expected, she wasn't ready to relive the horrors that had brought her to Goldcrest.

A hint of relief touched Alex's features when it became obvious Raine wasn't about to press for details. Instead, the small girl took a deep breath and nodded. She owed a favor, she could live with that. So long as she wasn't asked to kill or steal she couldn't be counted to on to settle her debt, even if she didn't like the idea of starting out owing someone. She studied the woman's smile and found little mirth or merriment. It reminded Alex of a predator's grin, like a wolf who knew its prey was well within reach. "Okay." She agreed to the terms as her eyes fell to the ground in front of her feet. "Just... please don't make me hurt anyone." She pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.

[Raine Proctor]

There was much to read in such few seconds. The haunted look that came to Alex's eyes spoke volumes. So did the way all the color drained from her face. There was more to the story. Raine knew when to back down. From the little weak no Raine got, she knew this was exactly the time. So she dropped the subject like a heavy sack. There wasn't anything else she needed to learn. Alex's look had told her everything.

Instead, she was more concerned with the favor Alex owed. Raine could see the way Alex's expression dropped. The girl must've realized the little trap she got herself into. Too little, too late. But it wasn't like Raine was going to ask her anything so big. Or at least anything big from Alex's perspective. Although Raine found some amusement from Alex's plea. It was so soft and frail. yet Alex was trapped by it. Raine had a feeling the girl would keep her word.

"Oh now, don't look so down darling." Raine cooed, bending slightly to place a finger under Alex's chin. She lifted the girl's head back up to meet her eyes. The smile was still on her face, and appeared more sympathetic. "You have my word I won't make you hurt anyone. It will be something as harmless as delivering a letter or such when I have need of a messenger. That sort of thing." Raine chuckled and removed her hand. "You make it seem like I have dastardly plans for you my dear. I'm not that bad."

[Alexandra Sawyer]

For a fleeting moment Alex felt almost as if she'd just sold her soul to the devil. She couldn't help the images of her being forced to undertake unspeakable acts against unwitting, innocent folk in return for a simple favor. Thankfully, her worst fears weren't realized. Even though Raine outright admitted she hardly one to be trusted Alex believed her.

Alex allowed her head to be tilted upward and she studied the woman for a long while. Slowly a relieved and almost pleasant smile spread across her face. With the faint trace of a gleam in her large, expressive brown eyes Alex nodded. "I can do that." She said, the strength and will returning to her voice. As it stood she found herself at the mercy of this woman and the relative mercy that was being shown would not go unresolved.

When the two had started walking again, Alex let her gaze drift out over the city streets. She had been to what she believed to be large cities before but she simply could not shake the awe that came with being in one so huge. "Raine." She said after a moment. "I hope you don't mind my asking but... what do you do?" Alex's attention returned to the taller woman. "How did you come to know so much about Goldcrest's streets?"

[Raine Proctor]

There was a flash of realization that crossed Alex's eyes. But then came the relief when Raine explained she wouldn't use Alex for violence. She even looked relieved, and offered a little Smile. She could do the favor. Raine's smile turned pleased. She had her little minion to call on when she needed. A debt was a very useful thing indeed. "Good! Now, let's finally get you to where you want, yes?" She responded, and started off again.

While Raine kept her eyes forward, she was very aware of her surroundings. Including the glance around Alex was giving the city. The look of awe on her face was amusing to say the least. Raine had seen it a number of times on other new arrivals. But then Alex spoke up. Raine turned her attention to the girl while she asked her question. How did Raine know so much about the city's streets? Raine smiled kindly.

"Well, I'm a merchant. I have to make it my business to know the comings and goings of the street life. When new competition comes in or if there's been a shortage of particular wares. You learn a lot just by keeping your ears open." She replied with a shrug. "I also grew up on these streets, so I know them well from experience. You don't live in a city for so long and not learn its nuances. Combined that with the fact I need to understand what people are interested in buying and the goings on of other businesses, I have to keep a sharp eye out."

[Alexandra Sawyer]

Alex nodded slowly at this new information. It made sense and was really far less foreboding and horrible than her overactive imagination had suspected. Raine hadn't admitted to be a thief or assassin, rather she was a simple merchant. That didn't sound so bad on the surface, though it didn't occur to Alex that anyone who considered such nefarious deeds to be their business probably wouldn't freely admit as much to someone they just met, if at all. Alex, for better or worse, took Raine at her word.

"It sounds like a never ending task, keeping track of it all." Alex mused. Just thinking of all the subtle nuance and detail that must go into being a successful merchant in such a fast paced environment with all the ships coming in and leaving the harbor was enough to give Alex a headache. Goldcrest's merchants must have been doing business with every city in every nation in the world. "What is it you're listening, or looking for?" Alex asked curiously, pausing a bit as she glanced around at all the people in the streets. "I get the feeling there's more going on around me than I know."