Dance with the devil

Tabitha Mai Fallamhàin was a young woman of known beauty and grace. Though she lived on a farm, raised, cared and bred horses, the outdoor life had not tarnished her beauty. Perhaps it has added to it. Her golden hair shone like it was made of pure gold when the sun rays touched it. Her amber eyes were warm and radiant.

One day a stranger from outside the community had come to the ranch, bartering with Tabitha’s father for a horse. The man seemed exotic, even if he seemed like them, something was off. Perhaps how he carried himself.

Tabitha had caught the eye of this stranger. She had not taken her eyes off him either.

When the bartering was done and a horse was bought she moved back to her own tasks knowing there was little chance she would again see this stranger.

It was only a day later that the man returned with the horse. He rode up to Tabitha, with worry she asked if there was something amiss with the horse. The man spoke calmly how he wanted advice from Tabitha’s father, but he would also like to have some advice from the expert who had worked with the horses daily.

Tabitha was charmed at the recognition of her skills and spent a while to give the man some advice on grooming, caring and riding.

When the afternoon ended and the evening neared, Tabitha was ready to go home, the man stopped her with an offer. He would bring her gold as radiant as her hair, if they could spend some more time together. Tabitha declined, she had no use for gold. She had all she wanted.

The man offered Tabitha a house for her own, where she could live and no one could tell her what to do. Tabitha declined the offer as she was happy with her family which she loved.

The man offered Tabitha servants in that house, to fulfill her every wish by just a call. Tabitha declined this as well. She was happy to work herself and with her hands.

The man offered to show Tabitha the outside, not just this community, but beyond seas and worlds. Tabitha hesitated, to see more, to fulfill her curiosity was sounding very tempting.

She asked the man to tell more of the world outside.

So they talked, for hours and hours. Tabitha was amazed by the stories and enthralled in the adventures. They talked to deep into the night, in the attic of the barn. On the blanket they lay in the hay where they later fell asleep entangled in each other’s arms.

The morning after, Tabitha woke and saw what struck fear in her heart. The man was not of her kind, he was some stranger. She pushed herself away and ran to the house.

Soon after Tabitha's father and brothers came for the man. But he had made himself scarce quick. Knowing trouble was brewing. Tabitha distraught with the betrayal of this man pleaded forgiveness with the clergy and with her parents. But she had entangled herself with a devil. She was cast out.

For a few months Tabitha lived in a hut on the outskirts of the community. She managed. She was not scared of living alone or caring for herself.

But in those few months she had learned, the devil had planted his seed inside of her and it was growing into a devil child. At the gates of the community she pleaded and begged to speak with one of the clergy. She explained that if she gave birth of this devil child outside she feared to let loose the evil and did not want to make matters worse.

The clergy was understanding and took Tabitha into a convent. There she gave birth to a golden haired, amber eyed baby girl.

The baby was immediately taken away, brought to another convent deeply hidden away in the forests. So, the child could be cleansed of the devil. And not infect another.

That is where my story begins.

The name they gave me is Soliana, I have been raised in the convent. Though raising might be a big word. I have been fed, clothed and was given a place to sleep. My days consisted of chores the moment I could walk and pick things up.

Labor cleanses the person, that was always said. When the sun was in the highest point of the day, I had to perform the cleaning, everyday without fail. No matter if I was sick, weak or incapable of standing.

My torso was bared and exposed to the sun, The sisters hit me with canes or strands. To chase the devil out they said. The sun rays could reach inside this way.

I only remember the pain and the fear. When I was older and I had behaved so well, the sisters allowed me to do some chores outside the walls. We were often visited by travelers who came for supplies, for aid. Or a place to rest.

At one time an army of sorts passed through, they had fought. They were rowdy and loud. The sisters told me that I should be kind and caring to everyone that walked under the sun. We cared for their wounded. We fed them. We brought them our homemade mead. It was one of the specialties of this convent. The land around the building were fields of flowers of all sorts. The bees in their areas made the sweetest or spiciest honey.

With that we made strong and tasteful mead, or so I am told. I am not allowed to drink. It might tempt the devil.

When a group of the men drank and talked they praised the mead. Saying things like their commander was right and this was a fantastic spot to camp. That their commander had praised the mead and the women here.

I just smiled and tended to my duties. It was strange though I knew there were different kind of races, people. Intelligent beings but I never realized that they would come here. Or how they looked. We did look somewhat similar in the broader sense of things.

Two arms two legs, two eyes, though those of our people are in the range between greens and yellows. Hair colors varied more in these people. My people had ranges of white to reddish colored hair. I had my extending nails but they had more stumps for fingers. Our teeth were different, though just slightly. Mine are bit longer, sharper. Theirs are more straight flat.

I observed these people for a while and watched them leave they went up the mountains.

When the group started to leave a thought came to me, I can just as well follow them. It would only took a moment to grab some things, a blanket, some bottles, dried foods. The rest nature could provide.

Because of my diligence in my work and that i never acted out to the sisters in the convent they left me mostly do my tasks with little watching and checking.
As long as i was there every day for the cleansing.
By now i felt the lashes less and less, perhaps my skin had gotten thicker with scars.
When i decided to follow the army it was easy enough for me to leave. I gathered some supplies. Nothing which the sisters would miss and it could be explained as simple as supplies for the army.
I left at night after evening meal. That way they would miss me at high noon when it was time for the ritual.
I followed the army. At first at a distance, but when i got noticed the men were not adverse of having me there. I had helped and cared for them when they had camped. Most knew i could care for the wounded. And I know the local flora to help heal the sick.
And the men helped me getting used to the outside.
I enjoyed their stories of their travels. Of their battles and other adventures.
I went from camping outside their camp to being part of their camp. Some took it upon themselves to teach me how to fight.
I took it upon myself to make sure if we had fresh producr to make some decent meals. That is always good for the body and the soul.
I spend a year traveling with these people. But after a year i felt the need to search again for the man who hurt my mother.
I told the men this and we had a good night singing songs and drinking.
They gave me supplies and tools to survive my own journey.

I went into the mountains.

What were my next steps going to be? Was I going to create a life for myself somewhere, or am I going to hunt down the man who caused the death of my mother and the life I had lived so far?

I had little information about the man, he looked like those that just left. I had a vague description and a sketch of him. So I always remember the devil I spawned from.

The mountains are kind enough to provide when you are kind to nature in return.

I knew what plants to watch out for. I knew what was edible and what wasn’t. I wasn't a skilled hunter, but i had learned some snare traps to trap some smaller mammals. And the tools i got from the army were usefull in my survival

Not long after I had found a cave. Made it my home, I had made a little bed with leaves and branches, a small fire-pit where I could cook and roast food. At least I had the wits to take a pot with me to cook in.

It was a cold night when i heard a panting and a thumping sound outside the cave. At cold nights i had trouble sleeping. With a branch functioning as a torch i walked to the entrance.
There was a off white huge dog sitting panting and thumping its tail.
He seemed friendly enough.
Since it was raining i offered the dog to come in, and so he did.
I was very grateful for the very warm companion now sleeping at my side.
Together we tended our little home. We became close friends quickly. Together we hunted for small mammals.

I spent my days, caring for the little garden patch I created, Caring for the little mushroom corner in the cave. Boiling water to clean. Now and then my new friend brought back some fresh kill. Which we could enjoy together.

I had lost count of the days when I heard a sound, a sound not of an animal, I suspected a person was in pain. Now nature here has some traps, and I suspected that this person might have fallen into one.

There are these large carnivorous plants. They are a root system the bushes are the diversion, growing sweet berries and sweet scented flowers. The ground underneath is often loose and easy to cave in due to the barbed roots. When someone or something falls in, it will be snared and slowly consumed.

When I reached the root pit I could see a man trying to crawl out. He hung on to a sword he had slammed into the ground. I rushed back to the cave to get some water I had started to boil in the pot and threw it over the roots the shock of it caused the grip to loosen and I could help the man on solid ground.

He was quite severely wounded and fell unconscious after he was out of danger. I made a stretcher from some branches and strips of his and my clothing.

It was a big and heavy man, with my trusted companion we dragged the man back to the cave. I made sure to clean and dress his wounds. And now and then I dripped some water or broth into his mouth so he got some fluids and sustenance into his system. I knew the venom of these plants were severe and he might not even make it. Many unwary travelers had fallen into such pits and not survived this.

I was surprised that after only a few days he started to stir. I was making some tea and warming up some roots for food. Seeing him stirring made me first think he had a seizure but he opened his eyes and looked at me.

I checked his wounds and saw they were already showing signs of healing.

“You are one lucky man. “ I stated calmly.

“I have seen men dying agonizing deaths due to these plants. “

He kept watching me as I grabbed a bowl and brought him some food.

"Eat, you need your strength." Walking back to the little makeshift kitchen area i took a mug and poured some water in. Bringing it to the man as well. He was still looking at me...

With hands on my hips i looked at him and at the bowl.

"If you are not strong enough to eat i will feed you, but i have never been known for a soft healing hand."

The man laughs "You remind me of someone. But no I'll eat myself. I had just not thought of finding a person out here. I have been stuck in those roots for a while."
I look surprised.

"For a while??? Usually a man of your size dies within two days of being stuck in there. You must be remarkably strong. But happy i found you, it is not a fate i would wish upon my enemy."

Returning to the food i ladled some soup up for myself, poured some water and sat down to eat. By now the man started to eat as well hearing the sounds. Hearing appreciative eating sounds i smiled.

After the meal i take his bowl and nod to his mug.

"Want more water? "</br

He looks ate with a slight grin and says "Well, rather something stronger but i guess that is not an option. "

I laugh. "Well i do have some mead with me. They are a specialty from the convent. Could not have let that gone to waste. So I took some with me. But seeing you only just woke up. If you can stand and walk i will open a bottle with you."

I clean the things diligently i have structure and ways i do things and that keeps me sane.

He is silent again and watches me tend to things in the cave. Eventually he lays down again and i see him slowly fade to sleep again. I watch him most of the night but near morning the sleep wins and i drift off.

For the last weeks my dreams had gotten wilder, stranger and it was often i startled awake from a strange dream. But this time was different.
I wake with the scent of.... meat? Meat being roasted?! I jerk up, afraid my patient might have fallen into the fire. But instead of that i see him sitting near the fire roasting a few parts of a boar.

Rubbing the dust and gravel of my face and clothing i look at him shocked.

"You killed the boar? Those creatures are vicious. It could have killed you. Or at least harmed you. And i couldn't have saved you from that." While speaking i walk up to him and look over if i see any clear signs of wounds or other injuries.

He laughs and pats me on the shoulder.

"I am tougher than i look. I was looking for my things but got ambushed by this animal and all i could see were baked hams and bacon, like a cartoon. So i killed it and took it with me. Seemed you have been living a vegetarian lifestyle lately anyway."

I could not deny that it smelled wonderful and my stomach did start to growl with the smell of that cooking meat. I smiled.

"Well you bring the meat I'll have some vegetables and a wonderful dark mead that goes well with boar."

I left him to roast the meat and i prepared the rest of the food. I think from that moment we got an understanding. For the next days i went out foraging and gathering things to prepare for the rest of my journey and the man went out to search for his things. He didn't accept my help when offered, but he seemed to manage just fine.

One evening while we were eating he started to talk in a serious tone.

"I have found what i was looking for. So i must get on my way again. I know you do not have a set destination, and i really enjoy your cooking. Why not join me? Though i must warn you that there is a good chance that you can never return here. So i need to know something. "

I was slowly chewing my food while listening then swallowing and chasing it with a gulp of mead i ask him.

"What do you need to know? I think in our talks you have learned all there is of me. It is not much. "

Normally he does smile or at least has a more relaxed expression but this time he looked dead serious.

"You are from a convent, do you believe in an afterlife? That your soul goes to somewhere after you die?"

I take a long drink emptying my mug of beer. Filling it up again and filling his mug i release a long breath in a sigh and answer.

"I do not fully understand. But if you are asking what i believe after death. Those who die in the grace of the sun will return to its radiance, those like me who have been born of a devil will not, I will be returned to the earth to grow into the blessing of the sun again"

A slight shrug and a heavy sarcastic tone added to the end.

"Is that okey with you?"

The man nods. "Does it matter where you die?"

Getting slightly nervous now with all the talk of dying i shift uneasy.

"No, it is just a way of saying in a nicer form that your body will be nothing more then compost. I do not really believe what the clergy and the preachers tell us. If that was true I would have already run rampant into villages cursing the land and acting all evil. Instead I am just looking to see if I want to have revenge or not."

His face clears and a sudden roar of laughter. Again i look surprised. What in the world is going on with this man. When he stops laughing he asks
“Revenge him? On who? “

I stare in the fire for a bit and then exhale a deep breath.

“The man who caused my mothers death, and who caused me to be blamed for being a devil child. He was an outsider, pretending to be one of us. During a playful night impregnated my mother. She was exiled until she found out I was growing inside her. She gave me up to be cleansed, and she gave herself over to the preachers to be healed as well. She did not survive this. This man then just left. I want him to know what he had done to my mother. “

We are both silent for a while. Then i break the silence. "So i took the liberty of making a traveling pack for you as well. I hope you do not mind i used some of the skins of the beasts. I did not have the time to fully cure it but it should be good enough. I packed a bottle of the dark mead you like and dried fruits and meat. Broth.

I would like to travel together but I feel my paths leads me to somewhere else. I just need to get away from here."

The man nods “Tomorrow I will leave, and I will bring you to a place where you can easily travel around. I suggest to take a ship and learn what you can on your travels. “

I nod in agreement and after we had finished the bottle I took first watch. In the morning he was already standing and ready to leave.

“We can better start walking over the side of the mountain. “

The man laughs shakes his head and produces a pack of cards. Staring into one he opens what seems to be a doorway to another place. Pulling me along we stand on sunny area. A beach. He points me into a direction.

“They are always looking for deckhands there. Go search for a ship willing to take a new one in and travel. We might see each other again. “

I thanked the man for his kindness and with that we part ways.
After i had waved the man goodbye and wished him luck on his travels i went to the docks.
Together with my furry friend. We watched the ships. Watched the people. We put our ear to the ground if there were job openings on a ship. It took a good two days until i found a shipscrew talking about hiring fresh meat on their ship.
With a positive mood and good hope i went to the captian waiting in line between all other sailors.
I was asked what my experience was and what I could bring to the ship. I told them i had served as cook and healer for an army for a good year. And now was seeking experience by ship.
The captain looked at me with a long silent gaze then his gaze went to my companion and he raised an eyebrow.
> "Suppose that mutt is joining as well?"
I nod and kept my hand protective on his head.
The captain then points to the ledger to sign my name and i could join his crew.

There were not many women on the ship and the men were not keen on personal space.

One of the sailors tried to make advances towards me, i was not to keen on that and often told him no. I had even struck him across the face at a point. But he still took no no far an answer.

One of the higher ranking people on the ship had watched me push away this man several times. At an evening when i was cleaning up my little medical corner she approached me.
"Join me on the deck within half an hour. i will teach you some things."

Hessitantly i showed up, the woman taught me to fight in closer quarters. She said that if i trained with her and showing the men this they would more likely back off.
And so they did. I had gained a new level of respect from the crew.

For a while I had given up on my search. Well not given up, I had not found any news or clues, so I would just make sure I survived and made a life of myself while hoping to find new clues.

Working from ship to ship. Now and then seeing familiar people. I had made a sailor of myself that no man or woman dared to touch. There are some still with scars on their cheeks of my rejection.

When I started to work on a new ship with new crew I would eventually ask again if they knew this person I had a picture of. And luck had it. One day another showed me a picture. It had a signature even. They said that is what those royals do if you ask politely. Collect signatures with the pictures.

I saw the man that doomed my mom. I asked the sailor with the deck where he collected that signature he told me Amber port. This man often frequents a bar there. Since it is one of our stops there is a chance I could get a deck myself and ask for a signature. It sounded like a marvelous plan.

We arrived at Amber docks. I found a place that sold these decks of cards. What a silly thing to do. But finally it would possibly get me close to this man.

I waited and waited. I let the ship sail away knowing I would find my target here. I had saved up enough coin to survive for a bit.

A week went by, the man came indeed to the bar the sailor had said. Observing him drinking. Waiting till he got enough in his system that would intoxicate a man of his size. I had experience enough of measuring that by observing sailors.

The time came to strike. With a pleasant and meek smile I approached the man. Not making eye contact. I held out the cards with his on top. It was a mistake I made I looked up. He recognized something. He hesitated. It was now or never. I lunged towards the man with knives in both hands. The man pushed himself back from the table with his boots and rolled back from his chair. THe sailors he was drinking with tried to grab me. Extending my nails i scratched one of them from eyebrow to jawline. When he had grabbed my wrist i roundhouse kicked another in the nose. But that was all i could manage to do before the sailors had struggled me to the ground.

I failed. Sorry mom.

((My add)) The man looked down as a couple sailors rolled me over. He held my knives and examined them expertly. "Well arn't you a salty wench. Its not till after that most wenchs try and kill me. SO what made you so annoyed with me?"

With a proud and determined look on my face i hissed the words out between my teeth.<\br> "My name is Soliana daughter of Tabitha Fallamhàin, and you killed my mother. "