Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

[Queen Sarah]

---

An elven maid walks down the back streets of the city and turns another corner taking her deeper within the squalor, huddled masses of houses and shops. Smells of the surroundings fill her nostrils, some of filth but many of them are of the daily life…washing, cooking, metal working, animals both of pet and burden variety and other smells too numerous to consciously identify and the ever present heat. No where else had she been able to smell heat but here. At her home she was surrounded by the smells of the sea, flowers, grass, incense, perfumes and candles. Even the cool sea breeze and the smell of salt air that lies off to the north of the Quarter can not penetrate. The heat from the sun causes waves to radiate upwards, making the scene shimmer before her. Wrapped in layers of clothing similar to what the locals wear, Sarah uses her own body to keep herself cool.

Coming upon her destination she sees the narrow street filled with people. They mingle before a small earthen brick house she had wanted to visit. Curious and unable to go much further, she slips into the crowd of onlookers to listen. The crowd’s tone is hushed and almost reverent.

Moving towards an older man that from his attire shows that he had been a man of the sea. Sarah gauged that he had been forced upon dry land due to the loss of his left arm. Leaning close she whispers into his filthy, hairy ear “What is happening? Has the old woman died? I was on my way to nurse her.”

Nodding he looks her over sharply then grimly smiles, “Aye I have seen thee about Lassie. You have a pure heart to be sure.” Thumbing towards the house with his only good hand he possesses he continues. “Milord is within that there house. If in anyone could save her, it would be him.”

Looking towards the house Sarah tilts her head to the side, still confused she asks, “Your lord? Is he a healer of some renown? For even my elven knowledge cannot cure the mistress of that house, all I may do is ease her pain.”

“Lord Rufus is in there! He is blessed by the gods, he is.. Nujel’m is twice blessed for having such a wise sultana. For it was she that went and got married to him,” leaning closer to Sarah with a twinkle in his eyes he whispers “he‘s one of us he is, one of us…she shouldn’t had married such but she did! Bless her,” the old man mutters to himself. Pausing he looks away and says, “If in there’s a cure he’ll find one, he be special with some such mat…“ the man stops in mid-word, his nearly toothless mouth opens like an abyss in awe. His eyes gaze off Sarah’s shoulder back to the house.

Turning to follow his gaze she sees what had stopped her informant. A glow from within the house emitts out through the numerous cracks in the walls, around the door and windows. Steadily growing stronger, Sarah’s heart quicken. Fearing at first for her husband she struggles to remain fixed where she stood. If he found out she had been coming to the Quarter without his knowledge…well she just refused to think upon it. Her identity had remained unknown and she waited to see if she could keep it so.

Slowly the light fades and an older woman who stood close to the house tip-toes up to the window, peering in. Turning back to face the crowd she slowly shakes her head and pulls up the corner of her apron, dabbing at the corner of her eye.

“Ahh, old Clara will find peace now. Milord made her passing a gentle one, he did.” Wiping his bulbous nose with the back of his large gnarled hand he looks at the elf. “Can ya understand Lassie? I mean no offense but your kin dun not have death of this sort.”

Gently gazing up at the old man she smiles, “Aye, I have not encountered such until recently. Does she leave someone of her blood behind so her memory will live on?” Sarah asks.

“Just a wee little boy that the streets will look after now,” the old man mutters. Shaking her head she moves quickly, becoming intimately close so to not be overheard. Pulling off a button that holds the royal crest she presses it into the man’s one hand. “Give this to the boy when his grief has subsided. Tell him to go to the Palace and ask for Gladys, she is a maid within the walls of the royal household.” Patting his hand with her soft, delicate hands she looks down and sees the vast differences between their two worlds and chokes back her tears. “A better life will be given to him if you follow my instructions. Have him take to heart what Lord Rufus tells him, to live by such words will make him into a great man. I trust in you to do what I say.” Her hands squeezing his for emphasis and looks back up into his eyes. Seeing a spark of recognition Sarah quickly nods and slips into the alley way, letting the old sailor watch her cloak flutter behind her then tuck around the corner. Pressed against the wall and breathing hard, Sarah whispers the ancient words and goes home to prepare for Rufus’ return and the boy’s arrival.