Lerephel - The Sunbloom Heiress

I roam the winding alleys, searching for hidden treasures in the late night – searching under the illumination of the torch fires which line the streets of this city. Today, I found a lost trinket in the dirt. Its reflection is distorted by damage and rust. No matter, I can work with that! It’s not difficult to find the hidden beauty in pieces such as this – all it needs is some attention and love, and it will surely return to a lustrous form.

Treasure hunting is my hobby. There’s so much to be found, yet many don’t quite know where to look.

I suppose I could thank my parents for teaching me to have this appreciation for what others would see as “junk”. I grew up in a household filled with “junk”, after all.

…

My name is Lerephel, or Lei, Grey. I live in this city with my loving parents, Stardust and Felicia, my mom and dad. They’re a bit out there honestly, but the same could be said of me I guess. We’re weirdos together.

My dad is a writer, most often creating works of poetry. My mother is a tailor and helps make and repair clothing brought to her by the locals. We live in a tight spot and have really always been monetarily unstable, but my parents never seem to be stressed about it. They tell me not to worry – that everyone in this district struggles. They’re very honest, hardworking individuals, and I’m truly blessed to be their daughter.

I used to complain a lot, but I find as I’ve grown I’ve become more appreciative to what I have already – I’ve known other kids who live without their parents, or who’ve been abandoned – I could never imagine the pain of losing my own. I wonder at times if that means I’m weak, or if I just have a very strong relationship with my family. Regardless, I’m thankful, and I know I’d do anything to keep the blessings I’ve been given.

…

I open my heart to the light without fear of the shadows… but of course, it’s those times that the shadows force their way inside.

…

I may have slipped up, badly. This is not what I intended.

…

… … …

“Make way!” A voice yelled as a circle of six guards marched through the larger street in the district. The guards wore white armor with images representing the sun sewn into the tabard cloths. These were high-ranking guards, perhaps there to protect an important noble figure.

I poked my head out from behind a crate sitting next to an alleyway I’d been digging through. I was curious as to why someone of high standing would be here, and who they were.

Others watched the guards surrounding the figure with gazes of disgust. Tensions have been high between commoners and the nobles for some time now. There had even been some assassination attempts in the recent weeks. I was deeply confused as to why anyone in their standing would risk coming here, but I suppose that’s why they brought along several guards.

I followed a bit behind the group, trying to catch a glimpse of the center of the circle. I was wondering what kind of clothes the rich wore more than anything, to be honest. I guess that’s mom’s blood running through me.

Finally, I was able to catch a quick look at her – one who I did not recognize, one who carried a strange aura and filled my chest with bricks. She wore a sheer cloth over her face, and for that one moment our eyes locked. I stepped back, feeling a sense of dread. Something about this was off, and I didn’t want to involve myself any further.

I stood still for a moment after retreating slightly, gripping the dry sands tightly with my toes. I started to turn around, but suddenly…

“Back!” A guard yelled. I froze up as though I was being addressed directly. After a moment I turned around to see someone standing in the way of the group, as if to stall their advance through the street.

“You are not welcome here!” The scraggly voice of this man yelped. Moments later, an arrow shot from above flew into the circle. It was aimed towards the noble woman but missed her by mere inches. Looking around, I couldn’t see where it could’ve come from. Was this planned?

I began shaking, I’d never seen someone so narrowly avoid a death. Others began to clear the area, and the guards turned defensive. After a moment, I turned tail and ran home.

…

I paused and collected myself before opening the door and greeting my parents. I tried to act as though everything was normal, but it was obvious that they could see through my façade. They didn’t pressure me to speak, however. We ate together and I returned to the attic to rest my head and body.

I heard a knock at the door. I was fiddling with an old locket I’d found recently, and called out, “Come in!”. My mother walked through the door and sat down next to me.

“Lei, are you feeling okay?” My mom asked. I nodded without turning to her and continued playing with the locket. It made a funny squeak when opened and closed. “Did something happen while you were out today?” She questioned. I shook my head.

“Everything’s fine, mom.” I said with a smile. I didn’t want her to worry. She stood up and watched me for another moment before heading towards the door.

…

… … …

It was in the early morning, and I’d slept fairly well considering the day I’d had previously. I rose and stretched before heading downstairs from my attic space. The tight kitchen space had the aroma of eggs and warm bread – my parents were up early as well, as usual.

“Lei, come sit with us!” My father called as he set the table. I hopped into my seat and eyed the food in front of me. We began to eat once everyone was settled.

…

“Bye mom! Bye dad! Good luck today!” I yelled from the doorway. I stepped outside and immediately felt the warm radiance of the sun, as well as a gentle breeze flowing through the air. It’s always hot here, but today felt nice and comfortable.

I sprinted my way over towards the usual spots and ran through the town without a worry. I knew this place so well; I’ve lived here my whole life after all. Still, there was always more to discover – and I’ve never lost my curiosity and will to explore…

…but when I came back to that one location, the place where that woman stood – I felt something strange. My head became a bit clouded, and I felt hesitant to move forward. There was something off about her, and I still didn’t know why she was here or who she really was.

I shook off my worry and walked alongside the buildings on the West end. I tried not to acknowledge my gut, but the tense feelings in the air clutched my lungs. I decided to leave this area a little early and perhaps explore some other areas more closely…

…that was the plan, at least.

I wandered my way down one of my favorite alleys. It was lined with crates of different sizes which were perfect to climb and jump between. It felt like my own little obstacle course to play around with, and no one ever bothered me about this place – it was always so silent besides the creaking of wood beneath my feet. I examined the placement of the crates and positioned myself for a run.

It was only moments before I took off that I felt someone grab me from behind. I squirmed, trying to break free from their grip, but I was no match. Before I knew it, I was roped together and trapped in the back of a carriage, heading who-knows-where. It seemed like an eternity before it stopped, the back door opened, and I was met with the face of that woman. Her smile offered a fake comfort; a curse behind a false kindness.

…

“Is this correct? Is this the child you wished to see?” A voice said out of my sight.

“Yes, thank you for bringing her to me.” Replied the woman. “Now, for you, little one.”

I was released from my binds, but my worries were clearly far from over. I was trapped, surrounded by others in those strange tabards, facing a woman who acted like she knew who I was despite this being our first meeting.

“You must be confused.” She said. I stared at her without a response. I shook slightly but tried to act with confidence and courage, though anyone could see through me. “Are you hungry?” The woman continued. I shook my head slightly, and she chuckled in response. “I suppose I should just explain why you’re here.”

I peered at my surroundings, looking for an opening to escape.

“You see, I was searching for someone like you. I… am unfortunately unable to have a child.”

“I have a family.” I broke my silence.

“Oh, I’m not looking to adopt you.” The woman replied with a laugh. Her brash nature was an annoyance, and her intentions seemed foggy. “I don’t particularly like children, anyway. Still, I have a role to fulfil and you… caught my eye.” She continued. I gulped. Her voice started to seem menacing in a way.

This woman grinned as she removed her false left eye – a glass eye. I hadn’t even realized it wasn’t real until this moment. She held it out in front of me, and I noticed a faintly glowing mist encasing it.

“You have something special, child… I can simply tell.”