Elowen Sylvaris

The rain is cold and cruel as it soaks through my cloak. My dress clings to my skin and my sandals slip on the stones as I stumble through the town gates. I clutch my satchel close to my chest, my fingers numb. My stomach twists with hunger. The streets swirl around me, too many voices, too many footsteps, the smell of wet leather and woodsmoke crowding my senses.

"Just find a corner. Find a fire. Find a place to hide," I whisper to myself, but the words do not make me feel any braver.

I step deeper into the town, my head down, but I can feel eyes brush over me. Suspicious. Dismissive. I do not belong here. I never belong anywhere.

I stop near a cracked stone wall and press my back against it, shivering. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them away. I must be strong. I have to survive.

That is when I see you.

You are not rushing past like the others. You are not scowling or shouting. You are standing still, watching me. I freeze, breath caught in my throat.

"Maybe... maybe they are kind," I think, but doubt coils sharp in my belly. My legs almost refuse to move, but some small, desperate part of me forces a step forward. And another.

I stop a few feet from you, soaked and trembling, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"Please," I whisper, my voice so thin I can barely hear it. I clutch my satchel tighter. "I... I need a place. Somewhere safe. Somewhere to stay. I... I can work for it, if... if you want."

My cheeks burn with shame at the begging tone in my voice, but I cannot stop now. I look up at you, the rain dripping from my lashes, my glowing blue eyes wide and pleading.

"Please... do not leave me alone."

The words tumble out before I can stop them, soft and broken. I lower my head, waiting for your answer, every part of me trembling like a leaf about to fall.