Hazy Shade Of Winter

by **Aliara Cantrell** on December 15th, 2014, 7:19 am

1st of Winter
As the sun dawned on the first day of Winter Aliara woke with a smile. Running to her window she peered out to see the beautiful white flakes falling from the sky. Winter meant alot of things, cold nights, less food but at this moment Aliara was happy it had finally come.

As she brushed her hair and began to ready herself for a day out playing in the snow Aliara realised something, she didn't have any clothes that could permit such cold weather, frowning she grabbed a small bag of coins and slipped them into her shoe. Wrapping a cloak tightly around herself she made her way outside.

The snow crunched beneath her shoes as Aliara slowly made her way to the Common castle, her breath making small clouds the entire way. the people around her had rugged up and were rushing to get food that could last throughout the Winter but Aliara hadn't of thought of that and frowned at them as they yelled about prices for when the food would become sour.

Watching her feet Aliara saw small wet patches appear from the snow, shivering she curled her toes up. Picking up the paces Aliara tried to get to the Common Castle as fast as she could without slipping. The snow, after being walked on by others, was starting to melt into a dirty slush that made it harder to walk than normal snow. Aliara had learnt this when she rounded the corner and slipped landing on her backside.

“Ow!”

Clenching her jaw she stood back up slowly and hugged herself, now Aliara was cold and sore. Rounding the final corner Aliara saw the crowds at the common castle, many were here for the same thing, something warm. Pushing her way through Aliara made it to a que for a nice ladies stall that should coats and hats. Making a mental note she considered what she would need;
A pair of gloves, a Jacket, a scarf and a hat. Nodding to herself Aliara waiting in line.
.

by **Kry** on December 21st, 2014, 6:49 pm

.

Date

Cold

This was the first sensation Ef was aware of in her cramped room at the inn she had found a couple days before.

This day marked the fifth day sense she had escaped her captors and escaped into Sunberth, it also marked her fifth day being a mute. Getting a room in this shoddy inn had been a trial in itself considering that most innkeepers don't take kindly to dirty children, or at least people who appear to be dirty children, at least luckily for Ef, Money speaks louder than most words can anyway.

Leaving the inn behind her for good Ef walked into the now chilly streets of sunberth, the only blessing being that the cold cut the dirty smell of decay, hard to rot when you are frozen after all.

A cold breeze blew through the narrow street ruffling Ef's ratty cloak and cotton dress causing her to shiver as the cool air wrapped around her bare calves and thighs. Ef decided that today her primary goal would be to acquire some clothes befitting the season.

Ef slowly made her way through the city,she had already gotten pretty decent at avoiding people and crowds full of people ready to slit your purse and throat alike. Her goal was the castle common, their she could procure what she needed to survive the frigid season that was just beginning.

Upon reaching the market Ef wanted to clap her hands over her ears and take cover, the place was full of loud and smelly people all rushing about heedless of those they might trample.

Circling around the edge of the crowds looking for a stall that suited her needs Ef finally spotted a stall that looked like it had what she needed. though it already had a queue of women behind it, Well as much as Ef hated doing so it seemed she had no choice but to join the bustling throng and get in the line of women.

Ducking through the crowds dodging and weaving past the legs of strangers clutching the coin purse on a leather cord around her throat. Making her way to the stall Ef finally makes it to the line with only one obstacle left, two rather fat and boisterous men who had somehow manged to sandwich her while walking past. Squeezing out from their legs with what Ef was sure would make an audible pop she made it to the end of the line, only to have to much momentum and bump into the back of the woman at the back of the line, A tall blue eyed person.

.

by **Aliara Cantrell** on December 22nd, 2014, 4:20 am

The wait was boring, Aliara had found her attention drifting off towards other people in the crowds. It was a common thing for the Common Castle to be filled with people but this time it brought a smile to Aliara, all these people rushing to get winter stock, the winter was a time for nights in front of the hearth with family or friends.

Aliara would spend half the night laying on her back in front of the half thinking of travelling, not the most social thing she could do but it was what her mind often drifted towards.To see the sights of the land, mountains and dense forests, Sunberth had been all Aliara had known and sometime in her future she would soon know of many different places.

Blinking she turned back to the line and rolled her eyes, a older lady was taking her time touching all the clothes with her grubby fingers and asking the stall owner where everything came from, by the looks of it Aliara would be in this line for a while. Pulling her jacket closer she shifted her weight onto one leg.

Aliara had to wonder what her job would transform into during the winter time, would she be guarding stalls or stamping out other business’. Sighing slightly she hopped it wouldn't be anything to rude or hurtful to others but who was she to say? Brushing her hair back from her Face Aliara began to scan the crowd again.

That was when a small figure bumped into the back of her, as a reflex Aliara checked her pockets, with everything accounted for she turned around to see a small child looking up at her. taking in the child's appearance. It made Aliara smiled widely, she was adorably short, the child had the longest hair Aliara had ever seen on a child then add its beautiful colour. A worrying factor however was how pale and thin she was frowning Aliara crouched down and looked the girl in the eyes.

“Hello there lil’ thing,”
.

by **Kry** on December 22nd, 2014, 4:48 am

.

Date

Ef had prepared her self for almost any situation that could spawn from bumping into someone, she had been prepared to apologize or to run, but what she had not been prepared for was a kind response.

Blinking a couple times before smiling back at the woman Ef dipped into a short bow before looking back at the woman. She was much taller than Ef, though there were few who weren't Ef was not quite sure how to proceed in reciprocating the woman's greeting, that was for two reasons, one Ef had lost her ability to talk after escaping from the slavers and two, Even if she could talk few enough people had been nice to her for her to really have any idea as to the social norm for returning a greeting.

So Ef did the first thing that came to mind performing a quick bow and then greeting the woman with a smile before mimicking the common action of men and sticking out a small hand to shake with the woman, That was a way to greet someone, at least Ef hoped it was.

ef frowned inwardly, She had managed to avoid people almost entirely since she had come to the city and had been socially inept before becoming mute, she didn't really like people anyways so it did not particularly bother her. But moments like this showed just how much of a handicap her muteness had become, Ef decided that she would definitely find a way to overcome this, her voice had been the price to pay for her freedom after all, And if that was the price, then she could handle it.

.

by **Aliara Cantrell** on December 29th, 2014, 1:28 pm

The small child had captivated Aliara and she could help but laugh softly, colour touching her frozen cheeks as she firmly shook the girls hand. The line had moved much and Aliara was beginning to feel the cold in her toes, if she stayed out here much longer in her stupid summer clothes Aliara knew it meant a trip to the doctors. Looking towards the front of the line Aliara could see that a lady had finally made her purchase and the line would begin moving again..

Looking back to the girl Aliara ran a hand over the childs hair in a kind gesture then raised back to her full height. Shivering Aliara attempted once again to shake all the snow from her hair but ended up only getting colder as the movement cause the biting air to touch her bare neck. Peering around the man infront of her Aliara saw that there were only two people between her and wonderful warmth. Turning back to the girl she smiled and decided that she might as well keep herself amused.

“I havent seen you before sweetheart, coming to rug up before the winter gets worst?”

Aliara watched the girls eyes and saw that she had heard her but no response came immediately, and she hadn't said anything yet either, frowning for only a chime Aliara decided the girl must be shy or not able to speak common… Brushing the hair out of her eyes Aliara looked at the snow beneath her feet and grabbed some up. It stung her fingers and Aliara regretted it however she pushed and squeezed the snow until it made a heart. Her father had taught her this last time it had snowed when he was home. She had kept the heart until it melted and when it did she had cried for days.Shaking away the memory with another shiver Aliara finished the heart and held it out to the girl.

“My Pa taught me that.”
.

by **Kry** on December 30th, 2014, 3:49 am

.

Date

watched the woman, She seemed a nice sort. A rarity in these parts, Sunberth was not a very kind place and thus there were not many in the city who smiled, and for good reason there was not much in in this city to smile about Ef's own smile was a forced display that she used to avoid striking any more ire from strangers than necessary.

Ef ducked slightly when the woman reached out towards her but in the end allowed her to touch her hair. Ef was not a very touchy feely person. Most who had touched Ef in her life had done so primarily in violent manners, Ef had felt the toe of a boot more than she had the caress of a hand in her life and was wary of being touched by anyone.

Ef listened to the woman ask as to if Ef was here to "Rug up" not something Ef had ever heard someone say but the connotation was clear, To answer the woman Ef tugged once at her light dress that barely blocked the wind an then to the clothing being sold. Ef was mildly worried though, It might be hard to find something her size, An issue that could be addressed later though.

The woman did something odd next, Using her naked hand she scooped up a ball of snow and molded it into a an odd almost triangular shape, Ef looked at it quizzically trying to figure out what the shape was. It looked like one of the odd symbols that humans used to for aesthetic designs and such, though Ef was not quite sure what this one represented. Looking at the thing the woman held out to her Ef gingerly took hold of it using just her finger tips so that she would not chill her hands to badly before looking at the object turning it about in her hands tell she held it upside down the way the woman had handed it to her before looking back to her an eyebrow raised in the form of a question.

.

by **Aliara Cantrell** on January 5th, 2015, 6:28 am

The girl didnt know what the heart was, frowning deeply she carefully placed the heart on the ground and looked into the girls eyes. They were beautiful and innocent, without the spread of sunberth. As Aliara looked into the girls face she began to notice that a strip around the girls neck was a different colour than the rest of her skin, it was a scar, a horrid one at that. This child had gone through something terrible.Now that Aliara began to think of what had happened since the girl had bumped into her, she hadn't of talked.

“Your a mute…”

Smiling sadly at the girl she ruffled her long beautiful hair and turned back to the line, Aliara had never met a mute and wouldn't know what to do with one, how do you know their name? was it pot luck or did you decide their name? Slightly confused at her own thoughts Aliara peered over the shoulder of the guy in front of her and saw that he was almost finished making his purchases. Going back over the list in her head, a scarf, a jumper and some gloves maybe even a hate it depended how much it was all going to cost.

Looking back at the girl behind her Aliara flashed her a smile, the girl was cute and innocent and Aliara hoped nothing would happen to the child in the harsh streets, maybe Aliara should walk her home. As she continued to think about how she could help the name in front her her gathered his items and Aliara stepped forward. She was faces with beautiful items covered in furs and lovely leather but Aliara knew it was way out of her priceline.

“Hello, i see the business is going well.”

The man nodded and Aliara picked up a scarf it was a beautiful cream colour it was soft to touch, holding it up to her cheek Aliara could tell how beautiful it was by the fact it didn't itch it just felt like a smooth sheet. laying the scarf over her forearm she began scan for gloves. At first she wanted to add a nice pair of leather gloves but as she looked at them she began to wonder how warm they actually were, picking up a set of woolen ones Aliara smiled, they matched the scarf perfectly and Aliara couldn't help but place them with the scarf and look for the next item on her list. The jacket, many of the jackets were wool or cotton but as Aliara picked each one she began to notice on at the very bottom of the pile.

It was a beautiful leather jacket a dull brown but even with the colour Aliara could see herself wearing it everywhere and anywhere. Aliara placed her items separate and placed the jacket over her shoulders checking the warmth, it was okay but probably not as warm as she needed. placing it with her other items Aliara thought of ways to make up for it and all she came up with was to buy a warm shirt to wear under it. Digging through the pile till she reached a pair of shirts, they were a simple white cotton but Aliara would have to settle with them the way they were. handing over the miza’s Aliara collected her items and moved out of the line waiting for the girl.

“It was a heart y’know, my pa taught me how to do that.”

LossScarf 1sm x 8 = 8sm Wool super fine
Jacket 6sm x 2 = 12sm Leather (2Gm)
Shirt(2) 2sm x 1.25 = 2sm 25cm cotton
Gloves 5sm x 2 = 10sm Leather (3Gm)
Gloves 5sm x 1.5 = 5sm 5cm Wool medium

Total= 3gm 7sm 30cm
.

by **Kry** on January 5th, 2015, 11:22 pm

.

Date

The woman had confirmed it, Ef was a mute. while looking back into the woman's blue eyes Ef gave one slow nod, It wasn't something that could be said after all. Ef hoped that the woman would not be so discouraged by her muteness as to distance herself, People did not like associating with people so flawed, as if Ef's muteness might be contagious,it had led to her loneliness and her isolation.

Moving forward Ef followed the woman watching in silence as she chose her clothing.
At this point in time Ef's apparel consisted of her cloak and white dress with weathered leather boots, All in need of some replacing.

Ef looked through the wares looking for thing small enough to wear, after a quick moment of looking about she spotted the children's clothing, After locating them and a bit of searching She found a pair of red leather shoes, a pair of white stockings, white breeches, white tunic and coat and gloves, all cotton. Having found all that she needed Ef made to follow after the woman, though as she left a red object caught her eye, After pulling it out from under the pile of clothing it was under Ef produced a red scarf made of the softest wool she had ever felt replete with a small silver bell on each end, Ef had been told many times the importance of money, But this item she just could not pass up.

Seeing her take hold of it the shop keeper reached out, obviously doubting her ability to pay for such an item, though Ef beat him to the punch by producing the coin necessary to the purchase. putting the coat on ad putting the rest of the clothes in her bag to be put on later, Ef wrapped the warm scarf about her shoulders letting it stand out among her otherwise colorless attire, happily rubbing a cheek against the soft material and relishing in the sounds the tiny silver bells made.

Secret :

Ef heard the woman call the thing she had made earlier a heart. Ef knew that the heart was the thing that made her body go, but she also knew it held some more significance than that, not that she understood it. After bundling her purchase Ef made her way over to the woman, if she intended to continue to shop perhaps she would follow her about, maybe she could learn more of the city, she didn't particularly have anything better to do with her day.
.

by **Aliara Cantrell** on January 5th, 2015, 11:48 pm

Taking her scarf Aliara wrapped it around her neck and smiled widely, it was so warm and soft Aliara loved it. Pulling on her gloves Aliara rubbed her hands together slightly and continued to wait for the girl she didn't take long at all. Walking ahead just assuming the girl would follow Aliara puttered the stalls looking at all the Wintery themed items. One thing did that caught her eye was a jar of winter berries. Aliara had never seen something so beautiful, it looked as though it was encased in ice. Detouring the the stall she picked it up and held it to the sun watching whatever was encased inside glisten, the vendor looked at her a glint in her eyes as she saw the approaching sale.

“Its beautiful…”

The Vendor nodded and smiled, Aliara wanted so very badly to take this home however she couldn't see the use of it, she didn't even know if you could eat winter berries without them making you sick. Smiling at the vendor she looked over the berries again.

“Only 3gm, its quite a catch y’know,”

The vendor’s voice was smooth and as Aliara looked over the woman again she noticed she was a young girl maybe even a hunter, hunting was a useful skill and a skill that Aliara knew nothing about. She had considered finding someone to teach her but she had gotten so busy by the end of fall.

“Its lovely… however i must leave it here…”

Aliara placed the jar on the table and nodded her head to the Vendor, as she continued to walk Aliara began to notice a small pinching in her ankle, bending over she pulled the kuri out of her boot and moved it to the other shoe. The common castle was emptying out as people retreated back to their hearths and houses. Turning to her companion Aliara raised her eyebrows.

“Anywhere you would like to go? i can escort you?”
.

by **Kry** on January 6th, 2015, 12:31 am

.

Date
After catching up with the woman, who seemed to be enjoying whiling the time away looking over various wares the shop keepers sold, As Ef watched the woman turned doiwn a shop keeper trying to sell some pretty but likely inedible berries, Ef new a bit about foraging and the like, and the sheer brightness of the berries meant that they were likely unsafe to eat, but without scenting them Ef couldn't know. she was not particularly knowledgeable on the local flora, something she would need to correct in the future after all, such things could mean the difference between life and death. Ef was not very fond of this city and every day she spent in it deepened that opinion It was not safe, the people were crude and she hadn't bathed since she had arrived here, all things that led to a rather unhappy stay in a city.

Ef approached the woman after she finished her interaction with the shopkeeper, she did not want to appear rude, though the more she thought about it following the woman around was trouble enough, it wasn't like Ef was good for conversation. Though the woman didn't seem to mind talking to her even if she couldn't talk back, Ef really needed to learn to use the runes that the smarter people used to write things with, then Ef could speak without speaking. After all she hadn't even had her name used once in this city, though no one had asked it either, she did have her name with her written on the keepsake bracelet in her pack, though she was rather loath to show it to anyone as it was something she held dear and would rather not have stolen if it could be avoided.

The woman turned to Ef offering to to escort her someplace of she wanted her to. Ef pondered for a moment on how to respond, She really had nowhere to go, considering the inn she had been at had evicted her on the grounds that having a mute about was bad for business. So in answer Ef slowly shook her head from side to side and then shrugged once as if to say that there was nowhere she needed to go, at least not at this point, the day was still young Ef could find lodgings at a later point anyway.

.

Open Hazy Shade Of Winter