A Liberty Sought: Part One

by **Verena Lorak** on December 27th, 2013, 8:00 am

A Liberty Sought: Part One
25th of Winter, 513 A.V.

The winter moon hung low in the sky, offering little light as thick clouds drifted pass. Soft, light rain pattered down above, making the city even more damp that it already was. But the crowd scattered across the Midnight Market didn't seem to notice, each too absorbed in their own dealings. Bright lights from every sight, the noises of merchants and buskers trailing about the place. Despite that, an air of danger lurked beneath the livelihood. Yet, many chose to hide under the shadows, doing who knows what. It was certainly not a place where a Dynasty should be in.

But there was Verena Lorak, half-hidden under an oversized cloak and dirty clothes stained with blood. She kept her head lowered though no one bothered that much with a lone figure. Never mind her status, the young woman's appearance fitted right in with everyone else. She had just finished her rounds across the Whitesnake Plantation, mostly treating whip lashes - with the Rujaro activities, people are being harsher to slave. And her first though was to go back to her clinic in the city. However, when she passed the Market, she found herself telling the driver to stop and leaped down without another word.

Now, she was standing in front of a weapon's merchant, looking over blades that she could not identify. Only two were familiar to her - the daggers and a cutlass. Instinctively, she touched the cutlass's blade and pulled her hand back with a jerk, surprised at how cold it was. It was a beautiful weapon, its handle delicately etched with winding patterns. The black hilt reminded her of Cad's own sword. He was the one who taught her about what little she knew of blades.

Behind the stall, a woman in his thirties laughed deeply. "It's cold iron, sweetheart. Much better than the regular iron."

"How much?" the girl asked, still not looking the merchant in the eye. Of course, she could have easily bought this in the blacksmith, but someone was bound to ask her why and Verena was not eager to deal with that. Because honestly, she just wanted to.

"I doubt you can afford it," the light-haired woman dismissed, eyeing Verena's clothing. Not that she was to blame, the Lorak was dressed as a commoner.

Verena sighed with annoyance. How could the woman expect to know what she could afford? It was not like they knew each other. "How much?"

The woman raised her eyebrow at the girl's unconcerned tone. She didn't seem the least insulted or even hesitant. Then she saw the pale girl reaching for her bag with her left hand and the merchant could glimpse the coiling snake of the Lorak family. Not branded or hastily drawn, but an ornate tattoo with great detail. It was then she realized, she was actually talking to a Dynasty brat. "36 gold."

With an ease of someone who did not value mizas as much as the common person, Verena handed the gold to the merchant. The woman hastily took the money and gave the now-sheathed blade to the girl in front of her. The exchange was quick and soon, found herself weaving across the thick of bodies again, a newly bought sword poking out of backpack.

by **Verena Lorak** on December 30th, 2013, 4:08 am

It was then she recognized a face amongst the people. Pale features decorate with scales framed with snow-white hair. Taloe, Verena's own Konti slave. She was talking to a man - his face was covered by his cloak - rather passionately. It seemed like they were discussing something serious, by the way Taloe kept glancing around. Verena lowered her head and walked slowly behind a figure, hoping to get close enough to hear their conversation.

It was not that her slaves were not allowed to come and go - she had never said so, not explicitly in the least. She had trusted them enough to let them wander. But leaving the clinic during her absence was something new. Taloe, Bella and Hallan knew that with their mistress gone, they would need every skill they could master and even Verena had mentioned it.

Seeing the slave where she wasn't supposed to did not anger Verena, but rather stirred her curiosity. What was the Konti doing in such a place? What business did she have with the man? The Lorak weaved through the throng, trying to close the distance. She knew some slaves and freeborns came to the market in search of . . . pleasures, but it didn't seem to be what's going on. Her steps slowed as she was closer, straining to see and to hear.

"You have to keep quiet," Verena heard the man snarl. His voice was not too loud, but enough for anyone who paid close attention. Taloe nodded tersely. "This cannot reach any cursed brat's ears."

Unfortunately, Verena was whisked away by the crowd before she could listen any further. Still, the statement was enough to intrigue her. It could mean nothing and the man might mean brat as in children, but she doubted it. Casually, she walked over to one of the stalls, pretending to be interested some peculiar-smelling incenses. After a chime or so, she slipped away into a tight, alley-like space between the stalls. If she turned her head in the right angle, she would be able to spot the conversing pair from the shadows. No one paid any particular attention to her manners, fortunately. People must have gotten followed a lot around the market.

Verena wasn't quite sure how long she had waited. But finally, the two parted ways. The man headed to her direction, while Taloe headed the other. Eyes widening with surprise, the girl retreated deeper into the darkness, ignoring the foul-smelling air around her. The hooded man passed quickly, not even a glance at her. Too bad that she could not see his face.

Once he was swallowed by the crowd, Verena hastily tried to follow the Konti. It would be quite a challenge. Dark cloaks and clothing were everywhere and she would have to single one out.

by **Verena Lorak** on June 18th, 2014, 2:01 am

When she saw the familiar pale face, Verena sped up her feet, but kept a respectful distance. She would certainly wanted to know what her slave was doing with that man. Taloe kept glancing back and the Lorak had to put in more effort to duck or turn away. Verena was obviously no expert in stealth, but neither was the Konti at spotting a tail. No one but Verena knew what was happening and she hoped to keep it that way. If Taloe needed to sneak around, that means that's what Verena needed to do to find some answers.

All of the sudden, Taloe's movements grew considerably faster. As if it wasn't hard enough for the Lorak to follow. Knowing that she had to come up with a plan fast, Verena closed her eyes for a couple of ticks and called upon her djed. Slowly, using Auristics had gotten almost easier. It didn't take less effort, but the magic had came to her slightly faster than it used to. With that, everyone around her started glowing within their own faint auras. So many colors were mixed as one in the crowd and it almost sent her spinning. She was forced to single out Taloe and concentrate only on her reddish aura. As expected, it did help her in spotting the slave by blocking everything else out.

At some point, Verena recognized the way and realized that Taloe was heading back to the Mortal Solace. She shut off her magic and tried to ignore the mild headache it had caused. Since they were turning to an open street, Verena was forced into pressing herself against walls and slipping into alleyways. It was tiring work and Verena wondered what kind of people would devote their life into tailing others. If Taloe wasn't so distracted and anxious, she would've spotted Verena long ago.

True enough, soon Verena found herself spotting the familiar low building of her own clinic. Taloe seemed to have finally shaken off her nerves and strode through the doors with ease.

She crept by an open window of the healing room, knowing that this was where her slaves would chat and rest. Few candles gave light to the room without reaching to the corners. She tried to peek inside without being visible, but all she could see was the empty beds. It was real dark, alright. It should be near impossible for them to accidentally spot her. The voices were low and quiet, but as Verena strained, it became clearer.

"You are insane. You could've gotten yourself killed or worse!" Hallan's deep voice was unmistakable. Something twisted in her chest when she realized he knew about whatever Taloe was doing. "You're lucky that Verena isn't like other Dynasties."

"I found a way to leave, Hallan! We could all leave this wretched place and be free."

"No, we can't. They'll kill us before we could get anywhere. This is foolish. You're foolish. Forget all this crazy notion."

"I am not! You're the one who's foolish if you're not even trying to leave! We're slaves for the gods' sakes! We're their property. They whipped us, kicked us, spit at us and there's nothing we're allowed to do! How could you live like this?"

"Verena had never been anything less than kind to us. Life's not so bad here. She gave us more freedom than most slaves would ever have."

"Are you even listening to yourself? We're not even supposed to be slaves. We should be able to own property, gold, a life! What they are doing is wrong! You should come with me."

"We can't do it to Verena. She would be blamed, you know that."

"We don't owe her anything."

"I owe her everything. I owe her my life."

"So you're not coming. What about you, Bella?"

Finally came Bellara's timid voice, the youngest of Verena's slaves. She had imagined for the girl to be left out of all this. "I'm staying. When are you leaving?"

"Soon," said Taloe. Her voice was filled with so much conviction that even Verena didn't miss it. Clearly, she had been waiting for this for a long, long time.

"There's no way you could leave without getting caught," Hallan said abruptly.

"It's possible when you've got some help."

"You mean the Rujaros. You know they wouldn't do it for free. You'll be a part of them."

"Is that so bad?"

"Is killing the innocent bad?"

"They're not innocent."

Now that the two slaves had calmed down, their voices were lowered and Verena couldn't get anything more than murmurs. She didn't need to. What she heard was far more than enough for her to understand what Taloe was planning - an escape. Never before had Verena imagined that one of her slaves would do such a thing.

Straightening quietly, Verena left the window. She was tempted to walk in through the front doors, but she knew it was an awful idea. It was better for everyone if she acted like she knew nothing. Besides, Verena had no idea when Taloe would attempt her escape. Ratting the slave out would only result in unnecessary violence and the loss of the Konti. Bella and Hallan might be dragged into it to merely because of their association. Verena knew what people did to slaves accused of treason and she wasn't about to put her slaves in such situation.

With that simple conclusion, Verena pulled up her hood and walked into the night, praying to Rak'keli that she had made the right decision.

by **Vice** on June 28th, 2014, 6:57 am

Plunder and Booty!

Name: Verena Lorak

Secret :

If you have questions or concerns regarding your grade, do not hesitate to send me a PM and I will be more than happy to discuss the reasons as to why said grade was received.

Enjoy!

Solo A Liberty Sought: Part One