ROLEPLAY HQ - chains-of-fate

This has to be a nightmare. Rosalia pulls a weathered cloak close around her shoulders, doing what she can to hide the mark around her neck. Thin, inky black lines of magic weaved into an intricate band constrict around her neck, pulsating gently as if reminding her of her fate. She pushes the thoughts away as she looks around once more. Where am I? It feels like days since she was attacked. Having never strayed too far from home, she is unfamiliar with where she now finds herself. The air is cold and still, a familiar sign of the early morning. Even with the ragged cloak and mismatched clothes she was able to secure, there wasn't much stopping the cold from touching the wounds that cross her back. She tries not to think about it as they throb and ache. Taking a glance into the distance, Rosalia catches the telling signs of the coming dawn over the tree line. From her spot under the cover of large, exposed tree roots, she watches the road for anyone passing through. @Crosby

There didn’t exactly seem to be anyone coming down this path… yet. It wasn’t all too worn… almost like it was barely used perhaps. But it wasn’t long until she could see the faint light of a singular torch down the path a little away from her, it seemed they were coming towards her. If her scent was heightened, she may be able to smell this being was… sweet smelling in nature for some odd reason. It was quite nice even. @Rei

Rosalia freezes, her catlike ears angling forward as she watches the approaching figure. Something about them eases her anxiety, luring her out of hiding. She sits atop one of the thick roots and waits for them. Despite the mysterious allure, anxiety grips her chest as she waits. What if they recognize what has happened to me? Without really thinking about it, Rosalia sits neatly, one hand resting in her lap while the other steadying herself on the root she sits atop of. @Crosby

Soon he came into sight, a rather tall man. He stood at about 6’0 or so. Although he looked like a rather well built human, an adventurer by the looks of it. He didn’t seem to notice her quite yet. He was moreso focused on what was ahead of him and around, seemingly looking around for danger as he had a strange burlap sack, over his shoulder at the moment. @Rei

Squirming in her spot anxiously, Rosalia watches the man approach. Waiting for him to get close enough before speaking. "E-excuse me, sir? Can you help me..? I'm- Well.. I don't know where my trouble even began or if it's over yet..." She tries not to sound frightened, but it's hard to hide it when hurts to move. "I understand if you're busy, but I.. Where am I? How do I get back to Rielle?" The sound of the plea carries in her voice, almost ringing out in the stillness of the morning air. Rosalia shrinks back a bit, weary of how the man will respond, if at all. @Crosby

He looked over finally as she spoke and finally noticed her. Albeit a bit spooked but he hid that. He didn’t expect anyone to be out here at this time. Much less alone. He paused where he stood and listened quietly. He was quite confused. He had no idea what she was talking about. I guess I can try to help but I… I’ve never even heard of this place you speak of. He looked her up and down quietly. As best he could in the current lighting at hand. He was also trying to make sure she was truly trustworthy and not some bandit trying to bait and rob him. @Rei

The prospect of help gives her a push, "do you have food, or healin-" Dark magic sparks around her neck as the mark fights ambitious inquiry. As her hands go to her neck, she looses balance, falling from her perch. "Why..?" On her knees now, she relents. "Please, I'm injured and don't know where I am..." He has no reason to help me.. Why would he? Her thoughts cloud her mind in anxiety. I wear the mark of a slave, unclaimed. She winces, both her wound and the thought of her new status pains her. @Crosby

He did have food and water, and healing potions. His eyes widened a bit and he took a step back at the sparks. Of course he thought she was casting a spell or something. Only to realize she had a strange mark he didn’t recognize on her neck. Something was clearly wrong…. He paused for a moment and fell silent, looking around. Who could’ve done this to her? Were they still close…? It didn’t matter though as he kneeled down, he placed the bag down on the ground and reached into his jacket. He pulled out rations, a canteen of water and a what remained of a healing potion, he offered her all three. here… what.. happened to you? He waited for a response. But as he did so, an overpowering sensation would fill her nose. Pheromones from him, all quite strong. Demanding she acted out and did something stupid. Of course, he had no control over them. @Rei

An irresistible scent wraps around her mind as the man gets close. Eyes wide, Rosalia explains her situation. "Thank you..! I was taken by a dark magic user. He- Mhn.. He tried to enslave me, but I stopped him from finishing the curse..." Bowing her head a bit, she takes the potion first. Uncapping the bottle, she drinks it down, and lets out a sigh of relief as she feels the wounds across her back begin to close and heal away. "Thank you.. My name is Rosalia Brennan, I'm a light mage. I'm from a town in the north, Rielle. Who.. are you?" Rosalia sets down the now empty bottle before hesitantly picking up the food he has set out for her. It's then that she realizes that she has completely lowered her guard. Yet, as she looks at this mysterious man, she can't find a reason to resist or guard herself from him. @Crosby

Crosby Vandine, part of the lords alliance. He said rather simply like it was no big deal. Like he said it all day everyday. Which he did. But that was beyond the point. He didn’t seem to be much of a threat to her of course. Then again, he had absolutely no reason not to trust her as of now. Much monster ladies would’ve tried something by now with him. Mainly trying to get their way but that was besides the point. And a dark magic user you say? I’ve been… dealing with a lot more of those recently. Seems there’s a new wave of evil rising up right now. @Rei

"I've noticed that as well.. My affinity with the light lets me resist its effects, but.. I'm not strong enough to do anything about this curse..." She rubs her neck gently, as if trying to get a finger under the band of magic. "Even incomplete and unclaimed as it is now, it still holds power over me..." She frowns for a moment before taking a bite of the food she was given, enjoying the moment of peace. Rosalia occasionally glances up at him between bites, giving him a thoughtful look. "You said you are with the Lord's Alliance? Would.. Would it be possible if I venture with you? I'm lost here on my own and I.. I would like to not be snatched up again, because of this..." She takes another bite, shifting a bit as she remains kneeling before Crosby. @Crosby

well then we’ll have to find a strong enough cleric connected to the light…. He has to think about it again when she asked that. Could he possibly be okay with brining a cat girl with him? It’d be someone he’d clearly have to take care of. And he didn’t even know if she was capable of fighting at all. He quite obviously seemed quite skeptical of her. what do you have to offer if I accept? Can you fight? @Rei

Rosalia rubs her head, the intoxicating scent starts to make her mind reel. "Of course I can fight, it's how I escaped. I'm just worried about the group that captured me.. I can cook, mend clothing and stuff.. I.. Mnh... I can do whatever you want me to..." It felt wrong, all her instincts are fighting her, but between the curse and the sickly sweet aroma, Rosalia submits herself to him. "If you take me, own... me, then... we would both be safe." Rosalia takes a deep breath before looking up at him. "We can help each other." @Crosby

Right.. sorry for the mistake. I… He fell quiet as she said she could do whatever. That was… a very odd response. He blinked a few times, not even sure what to say as she spoke those words. Did she seriously just ask for him to OWN her? He had just met the lady… I’m not exactly into having a slave or a servant sorry. But I guess you can come with me. Just… don’t be weird about it… It’s too early for whatever you’re suggesting. I don’t even know who you are really. He ran a hand through his hair. but anyways, we need to get going. Vampires tend to lurk out here in the forest. I’d rather not have to get into a fight right now if I don’t need to. @Rei

"R-right.. I'll just follow you.." Picking up the things he had laid out or her, Rosalia stands, her head clearing a bit as she does so. Her cheeks burn as she thinks about what she just said. "Do vampires stay out this close to dawn?" As she stands, Crosby can get a better look of the woman. Being around shoulder height to him, Rosalia is modestly dressed in clothes that are mismatched and clearly not her own. As she looks at him, she tries to avoid eye contact. @Crosby

They’ll stay out into the day too if they can find prey. They don’t care. Daylight doesn’t affect them like people say it does. He did of course take the opportunity to look her up and down. Considering she’d be his new travel companion. He figured she was probably a little ashamed and that’s why she didn’t want to look him in the eyes. We’ll get you some new clothes when we arrive in town. He began to walk along. @Rei

Taking another bite of food, Rosalia follows Crosby. Walking beside him, her cat-like ears angle out to the side, relaxed. She finishes eating as they go before she speaking up again. "So where are we, exactly? I've been out here for a few days now and none of this is familiar to me.." She was used to the snowy evergreens of Rielle. This misty forest of gnarled roots seems more like a place of nightmares to her. Taking a sip of water, Rosalia glances around. The sun now rising in the distance, but still hidden behind the trees and fog. As they walk, she can't help but to smile. Her aches and pains were gone, it didn't hurt to take each step, and she just might be able to get back home after all. @Crosby

He glanced to her as she walked beside him of course. He was going to keep an eye on her to make sure she didn’t try anything. He had picked the sack back up, having it slung over his back. It sounded like there was metal jingling about inside. Hard to say what exactly it was though. Right now we’re on our way to Waterdeep. Where I live. I have quite frankly no idea where anyone like you could’ve came from. So surely you’ve seriously strayed away from your home. He hadn’t even heard of anyone like her before, even in the countless other villages, strongholds, and other places he visited. He did of course notice her smile and chose not to question it. @Rei

Rosalia stops for a moment, staring at Crosby, taken aback by his response. "Waterdeep? As in that festival city to the west? How did-?" She freaks out a bit as she understands just how far she has been moved during her ordeal. She takes a moment to process it before letting out a sigh. "This.. is going to take a while..." She looks at Crosby, letting out a soft huff before continuing on. "I'm a half Human Tabaxi from the Great Dale. I.. didn't realize just how far I had been taken.." With a huff and a shrug, Rosalia motions for them to continue as she glances around. her ears angled outwards. @Crosby

I suppose you can say it’s the festival city to the west. But I wouldn’t really know that. I haven’t… been staying there for that long. Or at least, actually in the city to see it. He was constantly traveling almost, or at the least on quests. He only came home to Waterdeep to rest between jobs. That was it. And well, to attend the guild meetings. But that was all. and I’m sorry you’re so far from home. @Rei

"I see.. I grew up hearing tales of large markets and celebrations, festivals and liveliness. I've always heard about Waterdeep being a wealthy and happy city." Rosalia relaxes with a warm smile as she thinks back at the travelers who told of thee stories. Walking beside Crosby, she keeps a bit of distance between the two of them. With her wounds healed and food in her belly, Rosalia seems to be a lot more confident now. Her warm smile persisting. Her hand still occasionally going up to her neck, rubbing as if trying to get a finger under the slave mark. @Crosby

Mhm… you must be from some small kingdom them. There’s quite a lot of travelers who come through Waterdeep, yet none have ever mentioned your home. Or at least, from whom I’ve talked to. The kingdom walls were soon coining into sight. A couple guards at the gates, and a small line forming to get in. He didn’t seem fearful or worried at all though. He did glance over to her. so if I may ask, do you plan on trying to hide that mark? Or keeping it visible?

11:09

@Rei

She adjusts her cloak to little effect. "I want to hide it but this cloak isn't doing it.. I could use magic but that would draw attention.. Do- Wait, I got it!" She grabs the cloak and holds up the end of it, ripping off a long strip. Taking that, she loosely wraps it around her neck and ties it off, covering the mark. "That should do for now... How does it look?" Letting go of the cloak, Rosalia gives Crosby a curious look, interested in how he would respond. Her attention is pulled away to the gathering at the gate. "Is.. something like that a common occurrence?" @Crosby

He didn’t exactly expect that. But that worked. No, not at all. There isn’t really slaves in Waterdeep as far as I know. There might’ve been men who were secretly slaves to monster ladies who passed through, but not like he’d know that. But yes, it does cover the mark for now. I’m sure we can find something better once we’re inside. He turned back to the line before them, to which he just walked beside them, heading straight to the front. Lots of people giving them dirty looks but they were unaware of the system here. @Rei

Rosalia follows closely behind him, trying to stay relaxed as the others glare at the two of them. Were all those stories just.. stories? Doing her best to ignore the sensation around her throat, Rosalia focuses on Crosby in front of her. Even with her wound healed and food in her belly, discomfort envelopes her. It's been days since she had a full night's sleep, the unfamiliar and poorly fitting clothes hang on her, and the ever present throb of the mark around her neck weighs heavily on her conscious. "They.. don't seem pleased with us..." @Crosby

It’s because I just can walk right in. Im not a merchant or traveler from others here. The guards just nodded to them, one eyed her up and down but didn’t seem to care much. They were soon inside, a bustling market around them. A clothes store, a jewelry store, a rather… kinky store, and many others. There was a few restaurants and also fruit and meat stands. Plenty of places to explore if she so pleased. Inside, there was of course a lot of people. It was a bustling busy kingdom as to be expected. but anyways, do you want to get clothes first I assume?

"Oh, yes please!" The thought alone is enough to lift her spirits as she gives Crosby a nod and a smile. She looks around as they walk, but she keeps Crosby in her peripheral vision so she doesn't get separated from him. "So many people.." Returning her attention to Crosby, she looks at the bag he's carrying but doesn't question it. It wouldn't be the most suspicious thing she has seen since her world got turned onto its head. "Where would I be able to find pants that allow for a tail? Or maybe just a skirt..?"

We can look, I doubt there will be any clothes for exactly that but we can always alter them to what you need. He started to head into the giant clothing store, it was absolutely massive. It’d have everything she’d want and more. Including what he could wear too. But he wasn’t here for himself. He already had all he needed. you lead the way to whatever you’re looking for. Inside there was a lot less people of course, thankfully. But he still oddly kept a lookout almost, like he was expecting danger. His eyes peeled and his face rather neutral as he scanned the area. @Rei

"Right, okay!" With a deep breath, Rosalia leads the way into the store. As she looks around, Rosalia gives her selections a lot of thought. Price, usefulness, practicality, even durability. She picks out a pair of pants, a shirt that fits properly, as well as some underwear. She doesn't seem bothered by his presence as they pass through the more intimate items. "I never did own actual armor, aside from some thick boots and mage's gloves, but we have a lot of snow where I'm from. What kind of shoes would you recommend for arouond here?" She asks Crosby as she brings him over to a section with footwear. The selection included styles she has never seen before. A lot of it looked rather frail and dainty, more suited for casual interests rather than being out in the wilds. As she looks around for boots, she takes notice of Crosby's attention to their surroundings. Nothing about where they were at worried her, aside from the anxiety of her new secret. She reminds herself that she should pick up a bandanna or something better looking to hide the mark. @Crosby

He didn’t seem to mind following along, even through the more questionable parts of the store with this girl he barely knew. Some people may have already began to think they were together. Which… wouldn’t surprise him. choose whatever you want. The weather really varies here a lot. There’s not really any consistency for the most part. And if you want, we can get you armor. I don’t mind. I’d rather you be safe then having to keep watch over you every minute. He still was trying to think about how they’d handle her secret. He couldn’t just go asking around to help. That’d draw unnecessary attention. @Rei

"Most of my protection comes from my magic. As long as I have mana, I'm fine. Besides, I'm a light mage, remember? It would be my job to keep watch and support you." Rosalia smiles, wondering just what kind of trouble he gets himself into. "I'm not great at healing magic, but wards and other protection magic is easy." @Crosby

Name a type of trouble and chances are he’s probably encountered. May be recently, may not be. But he glanced back to see her smiling. How.. odd. yes I remember, I guess you’re right there. Could be useful to have support during fights. But I hope not to be fighting anyone all too soon. That’s besides the point though, why are you smiling like that? His brows furrowed a little before he raised one. Obviously a tiny bit confused about this positivity of hers considering her very dire situation. @Rei

Rosalia lets out a tired sigh. Her smile faltering a bit, as she allows herself to be vulnerable fore only a moment. "I'm smiling, because I'm terrified... I want to trust you, so I'll give you my confidence. And... this isn't the place to be displaying myself as scared and alone..." She takes a deep breath before looking back at him, making eye contact for a moment as her smile returns. Returning to attention to the shelves around them, Rosalia selects a pair of lightweight boots that are suitable for her size. Her arms now full with her selected items, she gives Crosby a nod. "Okay, that should be everything for now. I was able to find a bag of gold when I was looking for clothes to wear at the place I was being held at, we can use that to help pay for all this."

He just quietly nodded in understanding. That made sense. Put on a false facade to keep the demons at bay. Something he was all too familiar with. His eyes locked in with hers for those brief moments before looking away. Oh…? Are you sure you’d rather not put that gold towards something else for yourself? I was going to buy those for you. Least I can do if you’re going to help me on my adventures. And do you need me to carry anything…?

"Something for myself..? Hm... a backpack or some kind of bag would be useful.. Or.. something better than a rag for around my neck..?" She muses over her options as she hands Crosby the boots to carry for her. As she entertains the thought of getting something for herself, the band of ink black mana around her neck throbs and tightens ever so slightly. Her smile fades again as she rubs her neck. "We can figure that out later, let's.. Let's just get the clothes for now.." Taking the lead again, Rosalia brings Crosby back towards the front of the store, seeking the shopkeeper.

He followed of course. He took the boots without any complaint. He truly did wonder what sort of issues this mark would cause if any. He hoped they didn’t run into someone who knew what it meant. Or well, someone who placed it upon her. He was of course not so positive nor smiling as he was quite deep in thought. well the options to cover your neck are pretty limited… it’s either a scarf, a choker, or well… a collar. He would rather not get her the last one quite yet. That would be um… quite a public statement. Which he wasn’t exactly trying to do.

Her tail twitches within the leg of her pants when he mentions the possibility of a collar. She wasn't against it, but it would definitely create more issues. " Aha-ha... I think a choker would be the best option, or a lightweight scarf. It's.. warmer here than what I'm used to.." They approach the counter, waiting behind someone else who is trying to haggle their way into a better deal. As they wait, Rosalia listens to them discuss their business, trying to learn as much as she can about this part of the world.

Based on her seemingly nervous reaction, he either seemed to have struck a nerve or something she liked but wouldn’t admit. He wouldn’t honestly be surprised if she was a fan of it. But that was besides the point. we’ll get you a choker then. We can probably get one from one of the market stalls outside. He looked to the person haggling. Of course. The one time he was trying to do things in a rather timely manner, there was interruptions. But for her sake, he chose not to speak up. He just crossed his arms and stared, awaiting them to leave. @Rei

Rosalia waits patiently, her tail squirming within the worn trousers. It takes a short while before a deal is made between the shopkeeper and the man ahead of them. The shopkeeper gives them a friendly smile, greeting the two of them. "Hello! I hope you found everything to your liking today?" Placing her handful of clothes on the counter, Rosalia returns the smile. "Yes, you have such a nice selection here!" She steps aside so Crosby can approach with the boots. She couldn't help but to feel a bit excited, the accents, hospitality, even the sights and smells, it is all new to Rosalia. It is a welcome distraction from the looming dread that hangs over her.

04:41

@Crosby

He placed the boots upon the counter. He of course paid for everything he like he said. Needless to say he had quite the hefty gold bag. It was impressive actually. He thanked the shop keeper of course for their business. Everything was neatly put into a reusable bag. He offered it to Rosalia. here, if you want we can go the bathroom so you can change. @Rei

On his offer, Rosalia happily takes the bag. The shopkeeper makes a disapproving noise at his suggestion. "There is a changing room in the back. Please, feel free to use it." She points the direction, Rosalia turning to follow. Thanking them, Rosalia trots over to the room, disappearing for a short while. Her heart races along with her mind as she closes the door behind her. Setting the bag down on the bench that's against the back wall, Rosalia takes a deep breath before undressing. The cloak almost falls apart in her hands as she folds it and sets it aside. Removing the shirt causes her to pause as she finally realizes just how much blood has stained into it. How had she gotten this far without anyone noticing? With a huff, she doesn't even bother folding it, and just wads it up and tosses it aside. She shivers a bit as her pale bare skin is caressed by the cool air of the room. Once the pants are off, her tail waves side to side, stretching as it is freed from confinement. Its black fur looking disheveled and in dire need of care. She didn't bother to stay long enough to find underwear before leaving the house she was being confined in. Using a piece of the torn cloak and a bit of water magic, she cleans herself up a bit before getting dressed in her new clothes. Emerging from the changing room, Rosalia smiles. Her tail curves upwards happily into the air behind her as she walks ack to the front to join Crosby, carrying the bag now filled with the soiled and tattered clothes she wore into the shop. "Oh, that looks perfect on you!" The shopkeeper comments with glee as Rosalia returns. Now dressed in a red blouse and a black skirt; the only piece of clothing that was adapted to allow for a tail. The torn strip of linen still remains wrapped around her neck, appearing more as a bandage than anything else, now. @Crosby

Well he didn’t know there was a changing room. He didn’t exactly go to stores like this… ever. Buying clothes and stuff like that he didn’t exactly do. He didn’t question her outfit of course. She wasn’t the same species as him so it made more sense to choose this. He just was a bit concerned the cold might be a problem for her, but nonetheless, it wasn’t something to focus on now. Ready to go? @Rei

"Lead the way!~" There is a slight wince behind her enthusiastic smile, but it doesn't seem to stop her. She motions for him to take the lead again, stepping out of the way of the counter as another customer approaches. Rosalia returns to Crosby's side as if by instinct or habit, while everything else she does seems to have thought and effort behind them. She glances around a bit as they leave the shop, uncertain of what to expect in a place like this. @Crosby