@DriveEMOut@ineffable@xChrome@cloudystar@Rune_AlchemistHieledran was lovely this time of year.
Nary a white cloud dotted the perfect blue sky on this quiet spring morning, the sun shining ever so brightly and casting its rays over the sprawling meadows and rolling hills of the lovely countryside. Though, on this particular day, the sun shined its brightest on the majestic walled city of Vaele.
Rising high towards the heavens, as if to defy the gods themselves, the illustrious stone towers stood tall and gallant over the entire city, banners and tapestries waving amidst a cool breeze displaying the heraldry of the kingdom, its seal, a black lion's head with two gilded swords crossing beneath it, set back against two broad stripes of gold and red. Today, the sound of a bell could be heard chiming on the wind, its soft and pleasant tone echoing alongside the gentle patter of cherry blossom petals that seemed to hang in the air, spiraling and slowly twirling as they made their descent to the ground below.
The tavern was quiet this time of day, no tankards clinking, songs singing, nothing but the subtle crackling of the hearth's flame.
Claudia stood behind the bar, softly humming to herself as she wiped down a few empty mugs and tankards and set them back. Not a soul around but her as her tired blue eyes looked around surveying the empty tables and chairs. At least at night it was festive as always, but alas, she didn't like that feeling, loneliness. When she was alone, she thought. When she thought, she remembered. And when she remembered, she...
Cut it out!She gave herself a mental slap on the wrist, resuming her lovely singing to herself while she wiped down the counter and prepared for the day. A piping hot cauldron sat on the hearth, a simmering stew of leeks, potatoes, carrots, and delicious smoked meats. Above that on a rack, fresh loaves of honey wheat and sourdough bread baked golden brown. Claudia took in the delectable aroma with a pleasant sigh. But as dinner cooked and she swept the floors, she realized,
"Ah, good heavens! I forgot the fish for tomorrow!"She set her broom down and grabbed her shawl from the nearby coat rack, wasting no time rushing out the door to the town market.
The market was sprawling by the time Claudia made it there, such a buzz of people scurrying about, vendors and mongers shouting over the raucous of the crowd. While she waited for the line to clear, her mind drifted, caught by the the sweet scents of the city, such pleasing allurements, the pungent, smoky flavor of freshly cooked meats and fish upon a crackling fire of pine and spruce wood, the heart-warming aroma of baked breads and sweets and confectioneries, cinnamon buns drizzled with a yummy vanilla icing or fresh tarts made with the bounty of the Earth Mother, the sweetest of fruits like strawberries from the Faelands or pomegranates and apples.
Then suddenly....
"GANG WAY!!!""Huh?!" Rumbling and thundering towards Claudia was a loose horse carriage that seemed to have spawned from nowhere. Claudia panicked, unable to move as certain death rolled down the cobblestone streets towards her rapidly. She shut her eyes quickly then,
*BAM!!*
Screams of terror filled the air as the woman was knocked to the ground...and everything had gone dark...in an instant.
"Oww....by the gods, what happened to...?"Claudia sat up groaning and rubbing the back of her head. Her vision was bleary at the moment, a collage of nothing but colors and abstract shapes molding together, but as slowly her eyes readjusted....she blinked them in utter surprise.
"What in the...but...where am I?" Flabbergasted she mumbled to herself. This wasn't Vaele, the great walled city. This was...
She stood with a gasp, her sapphire blue eyes sparkling amazed. Never before had Claudia laid eyes on such a city, such a kingdom. Towers made of pure crystal glass rose high towards the vast blue skies, shining in the warmth of a bright afternoon sun, and...the people, Claudia had never seen such fascinating people before. What was this place, she wondered.
"Ah, sorry. Pardon me." Nervously Claudia bumbled about the streets apologizing into those she bumped into, some of them...not really human or Fae she was accustomed to seeing in her tavern. She stepped through the door of a rather cozy looking place, a soothing aroma gracing her petite nostrils.
She looked around, not much to the place but a few odd people, one of whom she recognized, the armored brute of a woman with her arm wrapped around a very attractive young lady with horns and a tail.
That woman would sleep with an Orc, which she probably has."Ah, excuse me. Could anyone possibly tell me where I am?" She called to no one in particular, hoping for a reply. It hadn't occurred to Claudia as of yet, but her dress was dingy and smeared with dirt, possibly from the carriage accident.
