For the first few lengths of her exploration through the City of Lanterns, Khaelsie kept looking over her shoulder, trying to stay to the quieter side streets and back ways. She knew well enough that she would be discovered soon enough, but she had every intention of that not happening until it was absolutely necessary. She passed easily through the city though, possibly because there was a certain darkness about her small form, given by the ashen skin, jet black hair and lanky, warrior's look. In the absence of the lanterns along some of the back streets, Khaelsie almost seemed to blend like a shadow against the darker walls, though she made no attempt to do so. There was a certain pride that came with her training that said she was not an assassin, but a warrior, and when the time came to make her moves, she would do so in the open light.
The walk alone had also done more to settle the raging storm that had held onto her since she witnessed the fall of her home. Her mind had cleared, and the elven woman was now able to look upon other beings without feeling the need to commit acts of violence against them. Clear minded, almost peaceful now, she began to think through what was to come, and those thoughts were on the near future, not the revenge that would come at a later date. Shelter, something she could do for profit to build a name for herself, new equipment to replace that which had been destroyed with the Stormblade, those were the immediate needs.
The lanterns shifted, and now a purple hue spread over the dusky skin of the mix-blood elf, and a door was left dangling open as two humans staggered out, obviously having had far too much to drink. A tavern, just what she was in need of, possibly a place to stay, and food to end the rumbling that had come over her belly. Slipping inside, the elven woman made her way straight to the woman who appeared to be the owner of the establishment, or at least the one who could say whether there would be a place for her to stay. "Might I inquire as to your vacancies?" The woman gave a price, and Khaelsie produced a portion of the stolen coin from a small pouch, turning it over to secure a week's stay at the tavern.
Quick directions were given, which door would be hers, and off the elf went, to settle her belongings before she'd return to the main room to have a bite to eat. Once upstairs, she quickly freshened up, as best as possible with the bowl of water and towel provided, tucking her blade under the mat of the bed, and straightening out her clothes. She still looked like quite the wayward mess, but at least when she appeared downstairs once more, she looked like a bit of a cleaner mess, prepared to enjoy some dinner and possibly search for a contact or two that might lead to gainful employment within the City of Lanterns.
Black hair framed a thin face, falling about her shoulders and curling at the ends. Two yellow roses we’re tied in among the dark strands, fastened in place with a green ribbon, the same that was tied around her neck. Purple eyes scanned the streets as she moved. Her body seemed to flow over the ground more than walk; each step she took was graceful and precise. She entire being was thin, as though she hadn’t eaten in days. Skeletal arms hung by her side as she walked, they brushed against the dark fabric of her dress. It was the one she constantly wore, it still remained as black as night, the shoulder pieces white as snow, and the rose design clear upon the dark contrast. Even the frills were unchanged by use. There wasn’t a single speck of dust upon her attire. The black dress hid her small, fragile legs and the ribs that pushed against her skin. Midnight wings wrapped around her body, feathers ruffling as she glided down the alleyway. A great sadness loomed over her, emptiness resided in her eyes and bespoke of what you could find in her soul.
She seemed very young, just reaching the point of womanhood, perhaps thirteen or fourteen years of age. It was impossible to tell for even she didn’t know how long she had been drawing breath. It was odd seeing one of young wandering the streets of this city. She was barely aware of where her feet led her. Every lantern looked the same, every street echoed the last, every building a repeat of the one before. Up ahead a light glowed, stronger than that of the lanterns that swung by the street-side. It was a glow from a dusty window of amethyst. The glow that shone forth was a light purple in color, and the building soared into the sky. Everything about it whispered purple. As she approached she stopped at the window that the light came from. The glass barrier safely between her and the contents of the building she gazed inside. Laughter and people met her eyes and the darkness of the world outside closed around her like a chain. She shuttered, and with a glance over her shoulder, ducked inside the tavern.
She was greeted by the smell of smoke and booze. Men and woman swarmed around her, their bodies brushing and touching. She let her eyes move about the tavern and caught men staring back in her direction, leering at her, whispering obscenities to each other. She moved purple orbs over to another table where a woman sat with a man, the woman pointed at the girl and whispered happily to the man. He only looked grim and shot back a comment loud enough for her to hear. “Children shouldn’t be allowed in a place like this.” Unperturbed she took a few more steps inside before a busty woman appeared before her. The woman’s voice was shrill and bit into her ears. Her body was robust, and the apron around her waist told of the job she had obtained within the confines of these walls.
“OH! Little one, I thought the barmaster had played a joke on me when he told me I had a babe to tend to.” The woman reached out and took her by the hand, moving her to an empty table and sitting her down. “Name’s Roberta. Now hun you just sit right here and I’ll bring you back some food. Now, now watch out for those men and if they bother ya at all you just holler ya hear.” Roberta looked sternly at the girl and she nodded slowly, watching the woman assess her. “What a young thing like you is doin’ in a place like this is beyond me!” Roberta flung her arms in the air and headed back to the counter where she had came from.
The girl sat and drunk in the atmosphere of this place. She had never before seen so many people, let alone been in the same room as them.