Tara's Travels
This is the story of the Lady Tara of Moonlake. She is betrothed to Prince Eldan of Glenvale but has, for many years, had feelings towards his elder brother Keegan. Eldan left Avalon between six months to a year before and now Tara has been sent to find him by order of her mother so that he can fufill his obligation to marry her. Shortly before being sent away, Tara slept with Keegan whom she has not seen since the night it happened.
This story was written as part of the background history of this character for a playtest of my friend Chris's roleplaying system Elysia. |
She had never been off of Avalon before. Tara didn't even know where to begin, what direction to set out in. So she picked on at random and began to walk.
As night approached she continued to walk, driven partially by anger and partially by fear of the unknown. There was no town in sight and she was afraid to sleep outside. Finally, though, she was practically sleeping on her feet and a slight misstep set her spilling onto the ground. Fully awake temporarily, she stepped off the road and wandered into the woods, finding a secluded place to sleep. She stretched out on the ground with her back against a tree and her sword in her hand. It was cold and she hugged her cloak tightly to herself. She should have stayed in the port city and arranged for transportation but she had been too angry to think straight. Now she was huddled in the snow, thankful that it was not too cold outside. Every little noise snapped her awake. She was certain at least three times that someone was walking in the bushes. She would lie there looking for movement.
Eventually she closed her eyes and pretended she was back on Avalon. Her mind played out the night with Keegan, being safe and warm in his arms, hearing his voice. Only, in her mind, he was there the next morning. She imagined him opening his eyes and smiling at her. Perhaps they would have made love again. Maybe they could have spent the day together. Maybe.
Tara started to cry softly. Keegan had used her and she still couldn't get him out of her mind. She bit her hand to keep herself quiet. If someone walked by they might hear her. Exhaustion stole over her and the next thing she knew it was morning. Not feeling all that rested, Tara forced herself to get up and start walking. For the next few hours she drifted in and out of consciousness as she walked. Finally a town came into sight. She picked up her pace. The sight of civilization reminded her that she had not eaten all day.
She reached into her pocket and closed her fingers around a few coins. She did not know where Eldan was or how long it would take to find him. So she would have to budget her money carefully. |
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