Shiva's Legacy. [New Entry 01.10.07]

SorceressAshura

(( This character story is based off my first text based rp character, summarized from logged sessions in a chatroom that I've had with other people, and friends. ))

Name: Shiva Le' Daedra.
Race: Phoenican.
Age: ??
Occupation: Tavern Owner, Guild Leader.
Relatives: One sister, several adopted children.
Never married.
Her Hidden Secret: Guardian of her homeworld.

Physical Description:
Shiva stood at about 5 feet, 9 inches. Her hair long, white, and wavy that hung close to her tail bone. It resembled a fleece of fresh fallen snow upon a lake encased by ice. Her skin like a pale marble statue, smooth and untouched by time. Her eyes told the truth of her real age, glittering like crystals hit by the light of a winter sun. Her eyebrows crude and unforgiving, almost regal. Yet her meek lips seemed to smile even when she frowned. Her frame was petite, almost to delicate to touch in fear of breaking. However, the curves she did possess made up for what she lacked in size. She always dressed in white, a silken gown that flowed with grace when she stepped. Upon her wrists hung dramatic cuffs that flew in the wind behind her every move. She didn't share the typical beauty the fair madiens of her tavern often paraded. When she glanced your way, you'd feel her piercing gaze strike your heart. As if she reminded you of someone you've loved and lost long ago. Its often others glance away in fear, afraid that she may reveal themself as who they really are inside for all to see. When she spoke, her voice demanded attention. A powerful voice that seemed to echo off the very walls that contained her respectful presence. A voice that forced you to answer, even if her words were not directed at you.

Beginning - Act 1
Shiva didn't create the All Creatures Tavern. Felicty Moonhart was the original founder, back during the first years of Shiva's existence in Rhydin. It was called "Night Creatures Tavern" in those days. It was a troubling time back then, the nights seemed unnaturally dark and longer then the days. Demons and the undead ran a mock over the societies. Poisoning the land, and tainting the bloodlines of noble folk. Not a single member of society harvested an innocent thought, alterior motives laid deep in the roots of each hertiage. Felicty, however was different. She was a gentle and soft spoken woman. Who bargained her soul, so that she may be left to run the tavern free from the grasp of Overlords. The Night Creatures Tavern became a haven for vampires, and demons alike who wished to flee temporarily from thier corrupted lives.

Cruel they were at first to Felicty. Whom stood at a plump 5'3, with auburn curly hair and honey set eyes. They'd trip her feet as she waited the tables, raiding her stocks of blood wine, and filling her ears with harsh names. She longed deep in her heart, a chance to make over the tavern. To welcome all creatures, and to banish the plague of foul souls that seemed to crawl in each night. But only a dream this was to her mind on the free time during the day light hours. How the sunlight poured through the bay windows along the east side of the tavern. Changing the burgandy painted walls that chipped and boiled from years of abuse, into golden sacred walls. The hard unshaven floorboards that creaked from the slightest touch, seemed to sigh a relief when the sun bathed them in morning light. The tattered curtains that hung over the windows desperately needed to be sewn, as the softest wind would cause them to rip. Even through the ugliness of what the light made of the place. Felicty saw a beauty in this tavern, that was just aching to be released.

As she began to prepare for the night ahead, out of the corner of her eye. A shine sparkled outside the window by the lake. Her heart began to race,.. "Not another minion... coming to collect whats due.." She thought, a tendril of sweat producing from her temple. With a deep breath, she set her basket of dirty mugs down on the bar counter that curved in an "L" that hugged the kitchen entrance. She stepped to the front door, while an idle hand reaches for a brown cloak that hung on a rusty hook besides the door. When the door opened a rush of cool autumn air hit her face, the smell of dry leaves filling her nostrils. The curls of her hair began to flutter about her round face. The brightness of the sun, causing her eyes to squint briefly. She stepped out unto the porch, resting a hand on the banster. Only to hear the screen door slap the face of the tavern with a hard smack. She tied her brown cloak tightly around her neck to lock in the warmth of her body.

She glanced around the front yard of the tavern, her eyes tracing the tracks from the road that led east. She then looked towards the lake, on the southern side of the tavern seeing no one in sight. A slight shrug of her eyebrows, with her eyes soon following. She felt comforted once more. She was about to turn around and head back inside when that glimmer poked out again from the corner of her eye. This time she caught the light, stepping down on to the harden road towards the lake. She folded her arms for warmth, ducking her softly to pin point her sight at the glimmer upon the lake. To much of her surprise she noticed the frame of human body outlined in the muddy shore. The thought of a corpse began to fill her thoughts with fear. Her eyes darted around frantically in fear as if she was about to spot the killer. A hand covering her mouth to stifle a scream, as many thoughts of her own demise filled her head. She bent low on her knees, feeling the hard gravel dig right into her skin through her barmaids dress. The pain was nothing to her, she merely shrugged it off with a sigh as her trembling hands slowly inched towards the corpse. She knew she had to remove the body, and to provide some sort of funeral.

She assumed it was some poor soul that got caught in the path of one of her patrons the night before. She reached for the muddy dark gray cloak that covered the face of the victim, hearing the water that collected in a fold of the fabric empty into the dirt. She pulled back the cloth to reveal the face of a woman lieing in a fetal position. Felicty glanced to the waters edge, noticing scuffle marks in the sandy mud. She felt somewhat disgusted at the sight, knowing she had to remove it, but reluctantly grasping the edges of the dirty cloak. When she applied some strength into moving the body, she noticed the chest of the woman move. Inhaling deeply in a sudden fright, she tried to stifle another scream but uttered a startled yelp. A moan escaped the cracked dirtfilled lips of the woman, she then realized the woman wasn't dead yet. Her attitude towards the nearly dead woman changed completely. Feeling a surge of strength due to the excitement that she felt, being able to save a life this day.

She lifted the woman into her arms, cradling her like a mother would hold her infant. She staggered across the road towards the tavern, telling the unconscious woman to "hold on", in breathless whispers. She nearly tripped on the first step of the porch, but remarkably regaining her balance. Using the weight of the woman in her arms to push ahead, while her feet held thier ground. She hit the tavern face, pushing the woman along the wall towards the screen door. Her fingers extending to the iron handle, opening it by an inch. Then using the tip of her foot, she swung the screen door open, nearly ripping it from its scratching hinges. The weight of the woman pushed the door in, as she could not hold her balance any longer. Falling against the floorboards Felicty went, she released the woman tiredly. She pushed the rest of the woman inside the tavern, closing the door in hurry with the heel of her foot. She fell onto her butt in complete exhaustion, taking a moment to regain her breath. She stared at the woman, almost on the verge of tears herself. Nothing like this had ever happened before, she thought.

Who could this girl be? She wondered, feeling the wind return to her lungs. The warmth of the tavern increasing due to her strenuous activity, causing sweat to leak from every pore. She glanced to the fireplace just beyond the hallway of the tavern. She knew she had to get the woman to the warm fire, the death of coldness would the woman succomb too, Felicty nodded softly. She rose to her feet and hooked her arms underneath the woman's armpits, so that she could drag her towards the fireplace. She released the woman briefly only to shove the end of the couch that rested a yard away, closer to the hearth. After a brief struggle with getting the woman on the couch, she pulled the wool woven blanket from the top of the couch cushions over the woman. Finally, she thought... The ordeal was done. She sat in the chair that was placed parallel to the couch. Time seemed to glide by, seconds ticked away, minutes turned into hours while Felicty rested from her rescue. She glanced to the window aside the fireplace mantle, the sun descending behind the trees. The night was approaching fast, and she knew the hordes would come soon. She rose to her feet and began to set up the bar for the evening to come.

To be continued.
_________________
- Sorceress Ashura.
Where your dreams, are my reality.

SorceressAshura · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:45 am Post subject:

The night came, and it brought all the chaos it usually spawned. The tavern was rowdy and obnoxious. Glasses clinking, hard thuds on the floor. Felicty would occasionally glance to the couch where the woman still remained asleep. Placing ordered drinks in front of the patrons that would toss her a few coins. She was tired, the obvious signs of sleeplessness hanging under her eyes. She knew she had to get through the night, only then can she crawl into the softness of her bed upstairs. It seemed like eternity before the rays of morning began to lighten up the bay windows. The patrons began to leave one by one. Some coupled with others, laughing in drunken stupors. As the last person left, she noticed the door wasn't completely shut. She dragged her feet as she made her way to the door, pressing a hand upon it to lock the latch. A sigh of relief escaped her lips, licking her fingers so that she may silence the candle flames of each sconce when she passed. She took one more glance at the woman in the couch, the fire from the hearth flickering with soft snaps. She went upstairs for a nice, long, and well deserved rest.

The morning came and turned into the afternoon. Not a peep was heard, not a stir of echoes came to awake Felicty. The sun began to dip behind the trees of the west, extending their shadows across the road. The birds chirping began to soften, as the symphony of crickets and insects took the lead. As the last ray of light from the window of Felicty's room shined upon her closed eyes. She winced briefly, opening her lids slowly at first. Something was happening; her ears caught the sound of scuffs on the floor of the tavern. She got up from her bed, rubbing the side of her neck as she tried to focus her hearing. She heard the sound of water running, her eyebrow lifting slightly. She rose to her feet, pulling a thick cotton black robe from off the post of her footboard. She pulled the fabric close to herself, tying the cloth belt tightly as she approached her bedroom door. Much to her surprise the candles in the sconces that lined the hallway were lit. The rectangle of light straight ahead seemed to guide her curiosity as she made her way to the stairs.

The sounds grew louder as her feet began to descend the stairs. A hand holding the banister while her head ducked low to peer into the tavern. Her jaw dropped when the sparkle of a clean bar counter caught her eyes. She hurried down the steps; in her haste she didn't realize the floor was wet. Down she went slipping on the floorboards with a helpless yelp, hitting her head on the bottom bar of a stool. She reached back to feel the bump on her head, her eyes were shut tight from the throbbing pain. She felt the presence of another close by, opening her eyes dizzily the figure of a pale woman was kneeling in front of her. Offering one hand, while the other rested on her shoulder. "Are you alright..?" A muffled voice emitted from the figure, she took the offered hand. A cold hand it was... she would of thought more about it, if her head didn't hurt as much. The figure had strength, lifting her back onto her feet and guiding her hips to the enemy stool. "Y-yes... I think so. “She blinked a few times, as her vision began to clear. She looked at the woman aside her, she looked familiar... Glancing to the couch briefly, while the woman spoke. "I guess the floors aren't dried yet... I'm sorry." She shook her head as the throbbing began to fade into a dull headache. "W-who are y-you?" She managed to speak taking a good look at the woman. She resembled the woman she rescued the previous day, though cleaned up and radiant.

The woman smiled at her, tilting her head abit as a bang of white hair fell from behind an ear. "I'm Shiva... "Before Felicty could return her introduction, the woman interrupted. "Is there anything I can get you? Here, let me get you some ice." She grabbed a copper goblet that sat neatly in a row of similar cups on the bar. Felicty turned to look around the clean tavern. Everything was as it should be the table tops were wiped down. New lit candles in every holder, stools and benches tucked evenly beneath each surface. Even the fireplace had fresh logs over its burning embers. Shiva handed Felicty a goblet of ice shards, blinking again at how quick she must of retrieved ice from the icebox in the kitchen. Once Felicty took the cold goblet, she noticed Shiva quickly recoiling her hand back at her side. "Oh, thank you." She smiled lightly, while applying one shard against the back of her head. "Did you... do all this?" She looked around almost in disbelief at how clean the tavern was, the job had been done better than she ever did. Shiva smiled warmly, nodding her head while a thin finger slid that fallen bang of hair back behind her ear. "It was the least I could do... “Her voice was soft in tone as if she were older.”Have you ever worked in a tavern before?" Felicty questioned, lowering the shard of ice back into the goblet. "No... But a mop and soap can go along way...” She replied with gentle chuckle, the corner of her lip ending in a smirk. "True...” She concluded with a nod of her head, only to reach over to grab a beige jug marked "CIDER". "What’s your name?" Shiva questioned while she watched Felicty pour a goblet full of the bronze liquid. Felicty set the jug down, and gasped slightly. Having forgotten to introduce herself. "Felicty." She replied sharply, as she waited for Shiva's expression. Which appeared to be vacant, as if it was the first time she ever heard the name before. "Felicty Moonhart." Shiva's eyebrow lifted curiously, tilting her head again to ponder.

That awkward silence between two strangers that seemed to drag on forever, finally ended when Felicty reluctantly continued. "I'm the owner of this place... I carried..." She paused a moment, lifting the goblet to her lip. "Well,*dragged* you in...”She grunted gently, while swallowing a gulp of cider. Shiva nodded tenderly, glancing back to the fireplace. "Oh, I see.” Felicty leaned closer to Shiva, noticing a wind blowing. "So... what happened...?" Shiva returned her gaze while leaning back a bit from her closeness. "Hm?" Felicty continued with her question, taking another sip from the cider. “You were unconscious outside, washed up on the bank of my lake outside." She listened to her words, lowering her head in thought for a moment. "How did you get there?" She lowered the goblet, a concerned but cautious look in her eyes. "I...” Shiva stuttered in reply, she lifted a hand to scratch beneath her defined jaw line. "I can't remember..." She noticed Felicty's discouragement, glancing back to the fire place. "All I remember is waking up in here, over there... “She lowered her head a moment, only to have Felicty's hand raise her chin up with an index finger. "You almost died out there..." Shiva's eyes lifted to Felicty's own, taking a deep breath. "I honestly ...don't know." Her head tilted a bit, noticing Felicty's finger lower to the goblet. "What do you remember, before waking up here?" Felicty pursued, Shiva released the breath, a long sigh following. "It's kind of blurry... “She used her hands as she spoke, flinging them around in descriptive manners. "I remember a stone building... and bright lights. Someone calling out my name... “Shiva rested her forearms on the bar counter, leaning her weight against the edge.”That's about it."

Felicty listened, finishing off the last of the cider. The sound of the ice shards clinking at the bottom. "How strange...” She glanced back up at Shiva whom appeared to be troubled by her own words. "I don't know of any buildings made of stone around here." She took the jug of cider once again to refill her goblet. " ..... " Shiva remained silent, as if she were trying to put a puzzle together in her head. "You probably lost your memory... from what ever caused you to lose consciousness." She lifted the jug towards Shiva, as if to offer her a drink. "It happens from time to time... usually from something very tramatic." Shiva glanced briefly at Felicty, shaking her head a moment at the jug. Felicty watched Shiva, studying her expressions. Felicty was no fool; she searched for consistency, and nervous reactions. There were many in her life that drew upon her weakness to help others. However, she did feel strange around Shiva, as if she could place her trust with her, and faith in those crystal blue eyes. "I don't usually do this..." Felicty rose from the barstool, resting a hand on the bar counter. Shiva followed Felicty with her eyes, wondering what she was going to do or say next. "..But, if you need, or want to stay here... “She offered a smile at Shiva. "Just so you can collect your thoughts and recover from whatever ordeal you've been through... "Shiva nodded graciously, while Felicty continued.”Your welcome here... “Shiva’s face lightened up, her heart feeling at ease.”Oh, that’s so very nice of you... I could I possibly repa.."Before she can finish, Felicty interrupted. "Easy, just continue to keep this place clean." Shiva's feelings took over, causing her to leap out of her chair and embrace Felicty. Felicty was shocked from the display of emotion, disorientating at first. Though she welcomed the gesture, patting Shiva on the back.
_________________
- Sorceress Ashura.
Where your dreams, are my reality.

SorceressAshura · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:09 am Post subject:

Shiva and Felicty became the closest of friends, bonding to one another like long lost sisters. The Night Creatures Tavern seemed to take on a new life, the patrons welcomed a pretty, yet mysterious girl waiting the tables. Through the careful guidance from Felicty, Shiva began to pick up on the attitudes. Knowing which patrons to focus on the most, and what ones to ignore. It seemed like every night there was someone new entering the tavern. There were times when the crowds seemed to pour in from each of the four corners of Rhydin. Only to bring all the problems that each culture had to offer. To the snobby noble folk from Napthall, to the friendly hobbit like halflings from Gastelle. Even the occasional loner elf from the sacred Tearless Falls, or the rowdy dwarf from the Moondalle Mountains. Felicty knew better then to get involved with most of the customers, staying behind the bar or in the kitchen. Watching Shiva work the crowds like a bard who could ease an audience. She'd crack jokes at the expense of others, tease the single men, and encourage the ladies with sincerity. And at the end of each night they'd reflect on the events that occured. Laughing at the moronic behavors of customers, or the elements that made life difficult. If they only knew how much time they would really have together.

One evening, late in the hour a man arrived to the tavern. An average looking man at first glance, very non-threatening in his nature. He wore a brown tunic, with black leather boots, and a dirty grey hooded cloak. Shiva often seen the man speak with Felicty, out of the corner of her eye she'd spot the two by the bar corner. Secretly discussing matters between themselves. Whenever Shiva would approach them, they would change the subject. Felicty would flash a smile, and the man would ignore her presence all together. This fustrated Shiva, while she placed fresh clean goblets infront of them. Knowing the moment she'd turn her back, they'd continue the conversation. However, on that night when Shiva heard a customer request for more ale, she went to retrieve a pitcher. As she stepped into the kitchen, it seemed the conversation between Felicty and the man grew louder. Shiva, obviously couldn't help herself to listen from behind the door, as the words grew more intense. "Well with business picking up, the lord demands more... " The man's voice grew irritatedly. Felicty then responded, "But that was the deal, I've kept my end. I will pay no more then what we've agreed too." To which the man sharply replied, "With more patrons coming to the tavern, the lord can't promise full protection on that amount." Felicty laughed at his words, "Oh, please. If he can afford all those slaves, mansion, and armies ... then my little tavern here should be the least of his worries." Shiva heard Felicty stand, she backed away from the door cautiously. "You have my answer. If the lord demands more, then I want to speak to him myself." The man sighed, rising from the stool to take his leave. Shiva heard footsteps, so she pretended to be busy in the kitchen. The kitchen door flew open, Felicty's arms folded, and her eyes twitching. She turned to look over her shoulder at Felicty, an eyebrow tilting slightly. "Everything okay?" Felicty simply rolled her eyes, and lowered her arms. "Yea.. just annoyed." Shiva lowered her eyes to the sink, forgetting all about the ale she was suppose to get. "Anything I can do to help?" Felicty walked passed her to the back door of the kitchen, muttering under her breath. "You've done enough..." Shiva blinked at her comment, however if she wasn't empathetic she would of questioned Felicty about the rude comment. She knew Felicty was upset, understanding well enough to leave her alone for the moment. "Where's mah ale!?" Shiva heard the customer from the tavern yell, she jolted ... clearing her throat. "Coming..."

_________________
- Sorceress Ashura.
Where your dreams, are my reality.