Growing up in the Spirit Forest Village had never been simple but, as Cigyun grew into adulthood, it became impossible. With only her caretakers for company, she’s grown restless. The air began to suffocate and the treeline began to close in until there was only one thing she could think to do to remedy her situation and, on the night of her eighteenth birthday, Cigyun ran away.
She knew the risks. She’d been told her whole life about the curse of her blood. She knew what would be done to her if her Loptyrian heritage was discovered. But she could be careful! She could keep it hidden! And truly, she had been willing to risk it all for a taste of the freedom denied to her by the circumstances of her birth.
It was still an impulsive choice. A moment of teenage rebellion without planning. And now Cigyun finds herself cold, hungry, lost, and alone. It is not the glamorous and exciting life she had imagined for herself. She is free to see the world and live as she pleases but she had not considered what she would need to take care of herself.
After days of travel, she happens upon a tavern and inn. It’s clearly been established to give travelers a place to rest off the main road. As night rolls in, the skies open up and rain begins to pour down. She cannot imagine spending another night out under the open sky in weather like this and her belly does grumble loudly. Drawn by the lights inside and the smell of cooking food, Cigyun ventures inside.
She avoids eye contact as she enters and pretends she does not notice the way men stare as she approaches the innkeeper at the bar. “Please sir, I only have a few gold pieces but I can cook and clean. I just need a place to stay tonight. It doesn’t even have to be a bed!”
A stranger leans in with a wicked grin and takes hold of her by the arm. “No worries love. Keep your gold and come share a bed with me! I’ll keep you warm all night long.”
“Th-that is kind,” she stammers as she tenses, “but I can’t. Please. L-let me go!”