War's Beginning and Death's End

While the troops were away, the mice would play... or that was the theory. Still, another day and another day on the run from the life she had tried to forget. How long had it been since she was last 'home?' A bit fragile in frame, the lack of food was obvious, but she wasn't as bad as she had been at the beginning. At least she was starting to fill back out once more, but still the strain of running never helped.

The girl wore a simple cloak with the hood drawn over her head as she entered the tavern to grab a small snack before leaving once more. Unfortunately for her, the troops were returning and happened to stop at the same tavern. Great. Just her luck. Sighing as she entered, she skirted the walls of the room working her say towards a table in the corner to remain out of view. The less people who saw her, the better. Once she was situated in her table, her eyes looked out at the men all drinking and merry. If only she knew what that was like. She ordered a soup, onlying drawing back her cowl once it appeared in front of her. A sweet scent she couldn't have been happier to have had. The girl started to eat her food in peace, until a hand rested upon her shoulder.

"I remember you," the man said with a smirk, knocking back another drink. "I'd never forget the face of a whore I enjoyed so much." Panic filled the girl as she tried to move away, but his grip locked onto her. He wasn't going to let go of his new prize. "Show me how you've improved. I bet my friends will enjoy you too..."

Lia yelped as he picked her up. She couldn't go back. Not now, not ever. She thrashed around finally in full panic mode. She had to get out. Now. She cried out looking for help but those who heard were either drunk, or interested in what might happen. The staff turned a blind eye as the man kept his power over her. She was at his mercy.

Lia fussed against the male, but her fear only escalated as she heard a terrifying snarl. Maybe it was better to just deal with this guy than whatever the source of that sound came from. All too soon a dark figure emerged, blade in hand. It did nothing to calm her. She barely listened to the conversation, just heard snarls and growls. All too soon, she was placed back down. Lia gathered herself and clenched her clothes against her skin scared what was going to happen next. She was vulnerable in a room of men trained to fight.

She looked at the figure unsure if she should follow. A private room... That was never promising for her. Fear still possessed her, but the way he said it... She had no choice but to follow. Reluctantly, she followed after the prince, avoiding any of the other soldiers who would normally try to grab her. She was reliving hell all over again.

She watched him careful of his actions, but he made no ill movements. All he did was return to the bed-like furniture and relaxed. Was this a joke? Surely her luck wasn't that good if this was all that he planned. "Thank you..." she said grateful he stopped one thing, but did he just delay the inevitable for her?

Lia watched him for a moment, but nodded and went to go sit in the corner out of sight from him and anyone who might enter. She hadn't had a chance to rest in awhile and now with the small bit of peace she could muster, the girl took advantage of it. She curled up, using her cloak as a blanket and settled down to relax. If something were to happen to her, so be it. He stopped it once, so she was indebted to him if he wished for something from her.

The girl nestled herself happily taking comfort in the small peace that she got. A small nap wouldn't hurt even if it was for a couple minutes. Hopefully she'd be able to go soon enough, but she had no idea what he wanted from her or if he even wanted anything. She never expected to find the prince of all people, but he had no reason to help her. Still, she tried not to question it and lulled off to sleep. Anything was better than nothing.

Lia slept in a bit and finally awoke when she heard some voices and the prince move around. She panicked for a moment not realizing her surroundings until the events from an hour before returned to her. Why had she been here she was still okay? Lia looked up at the room around her, unsure of what to expect. Her eyes settled on the prince, but not for long. She looked away and picked herself up and dusted off her clothes. He was still here.. and left her alone?

"Thank you for earlier," she said looking at him, but wary to make eye contact. She knew better than to do so. "And for your hospitality." She dipped her head towards him in respect, and made her way towards the door. She as anxious to get out of here before another incident happened.

Lia stopped by the door, glancing out at the people in the rest of the tavern. If she stayed to the edges and just left, she would be okay. As long as she avoided the men from earlier, or his men in general she had a chance. However, she cocked her head back to look at him. It was easy for him to say when no one could dare challenge him and she was no fool.. he was built for war and by the marks on his skin, he enjoyed it. Who was he to think he knew her?

"Not all of us are are built the way you are or have have the privilege of a throne to fall back on for authority," she commented, turning her gaze back to the crowd. "It's as simple as that. Enjoy your travels home, my prince." She left a second after, not giving him time to comment back. Within moments, she was gone and back to the life she was so desperately trying to avoid.

Off was her family to deal with the politics that came with their clan. All were clean and dressed as if they were nobility who know graced their presence, but dared not upstage the prince as he visited. All were happy and grand at the momentous occasion. All except one who knew little of what was happening nor that the very man who helped her a year ago was visiting; not like she would remember who he was. Had it been a year? Time was nothing more than a death sentence waiting to cast the final curtain on her life. Unfortunately, it wouldn't come quick enough.

Tired, hungry, and broken, the girl meagerly picked her head up from the lap of the latest customer, who repaid the girl by giving her a small pat on the head and a couple other things before finally leaving her with her moment of peace. Her small frame showed her lack of a real diet other than what customers 'gave' her and the food forced down her throat to keep her in a desirable shape. Her hair messed the last man, but she lightly fixed it and went to lay on the excuse for a bed she received. It wasn't meant for sleeping, but it was better than the floor most nights. She wrapped herself in the small sheet that was more for display, but it provided her a makeshift garment to wear in between clients.

How long had it been since she returned? One mistake, and back to the life she so desperately tried to escape. Nothing had changed. Correction. Nothing got better. Only now she was stripped of whatever family she may have known and given to this whore house. It wasn't like she was a stranger here. She had first shown up here a couple times before running away a year ago, but after that stunt her family all but disowned her; not like they hadn't already. They never had a daughter. Only a son they cherished and she was the favorite of this establishment. Visiting folks, if needing an itch, would come and she served whomever she was told to. It was how her life had been, and all she had come to know.

She laid on her stomach, nuzzled in to rest before the next client came. Small murmurs about officials coming by circulated, but it wasn't like she cared. Another person to further degrade her. Joy.