Lesser Bloom

The Rebel Rose

Hughan

Only in my quarters I took a better look at the job I have taken. I took seat on my small bed. The room I have spent my teens and early twenties is barely large enough for two people to stand comfortably — yet kept in meticulous military order, as befits any servant of the Red Knight.

The walls are plain dark granite, unadorned except for a single faded crimson banner bearing the Red Lady’s chess-knight symbol, hanging crookedly above the narrow cot. A simple wooden bed occupies most of the space, its thin mattress covered by a threadbare red wool blanket folded with precise corners. At the foot of the cot rests a battered footlocker, its iron bands polished from years of use. I unfolded the document and read carefully.

"WANTED: Dead or Alive

Name: Lirael (known as "The lesser Bloom", Thorn of Aerindel or lately "the White Witch")

Age: Seventeen winters

Race: Half elf

Description: A young maiden of uncommon beauty among humans. She stands slight of build, with long, silky white hair that falls to her waist. Her skin is flawless white, pale as moonlight and without blemish. Her eyes are a striking sky blue, clear and piercing. She is often clad in simple traveling robes of gray or blue, last time saw in blood covered battle medic robes. May carry a small satchel of scrolls or a silver pendant. She moves with quiet grace but speaks little.

Crimes:

Practicing the forbidden arts of necromancy. Raising shades and spirits to serve her will. Suspected of using dark visions and unholy foresight to aid enemies of the realm. These acts have brought unrest to the fallen in the last battle at the Northern Neverwinter forest where her army of dead massacred most of the survivors. She threatened the natural order of life and death.

Reward:

1500 gold crowns for her safe capture and delivery to Lord Aerindel’s agents, alive.

1000 gold crows for any evidence of her death brought to Lord Aerindel.

An additional 200 gold crowns for any proof of her necromantic tools or writings. Those who return her shall earn the gratitude of the Silver Marches and Lord Aerindel's.

Caution:

Though young and seemingly delicate, Lirael is cunning and dangerous. Approach with care. She may summon shades to defend herself or cloud the minds of the unwary with false visions. Report any sightings immediately to the messengers of Lord Aerindel.

Issued this day in the Church of the Red Lady, Neverwinter

Let none shelter her, lest they share her fate.

Signed,

Lord Aerindel

By the hand of his messengers: Lady Elandria Moonwhisper & Lord Thalorien Starveil

To the bottom of the document, they scrapped with pen quickly the monthly 500 silver ransom we agreed upon and added as a side note "First month paid". I turned the document around and sighed.

- This is not much to work with... They gave me enough information to know briefly why I'm even looking for this girl. - Seventeen winters, she is so young, still a teenager technically. What did she do at all at the battlefield? How did a noble lady ended up there? And if she has this amount of magical power, why didn't she kill everyone? Why would she at all go against her family? All these thoughts started to run around in my head, the information provided caused way more questions than my mission could uncover. I shook my head and grabbed my leather backpack, started to pack the few belongings I had, some maps, the silver I got, some warmer clothes as well, an old compass, and a small painting of my mother and I when I was still a kid. Once I finished with packing, I headed back to the main hall through the sturdy and dark corridor. Only a few red and white mosaic windows illuminated my way alongside of a few magical torches. At the feet of the Lady herself, Garrick was still trying to figure out how he lost the game. When he noticed my presence he stood up and patted my shoulder.

- Are you sure boy? - I nodded.

- Yes, why not? - Garrick grinned and hit my back in a friendly manner, but his strength despite his age chased the air out of my lungs for a second.

- Fine then! May The Lady overview your path boy! Don't forget to send my greetings to your mother if you decide to pop by before leaving! - I smirked, the old guy knew me too well.

- I will! - I bid goodbye to the few peers I've got along with and before heading out to find the mysterious Lirael Aerindel, my feet took me down the city streets. The air carried salt from the nearby docks and the scent of fresh bread from street vendors. Guards in Neverwinter's livery patrol regularly here; the area felt orderly but watchful. I headed to the north along broad avenues filled with loud vendors and their colorful goods. Stopped at a flower merchant and purchased a bouquet of white and yellow roses, leaving a generous tip for the girl who sold them. With the newly purchased bouquet, I turned around the corner on the second street and walked until I reached my mother's tavern. Tucked in a quieter corner of the Bluelake District was The Rebel Rose. I smiled at the sight of the sign as always since I had my own consciousness. The sign swung above the door: a stylized red rose with thorny vines wrapped around a broken chain. Warm lantern light spilled from mullioned windows, the scent of stew and ale wafted out, and the murmur of a few adventurers and local folks filled the air. I opened the door and walked in. Inside, wooden beams, mismatched tables, and a roaring hearth welcomed weary travelers. It might catered to those with a rebellious streak, offering private booths for toasts to old heroes, or to craft plans for new adventures. The tavern was unusually busy, which put my heart at ease. In the middle of the busy crowd appeared her. My mom, Aithne Driftveil, despite being closer to fifty than forty, she still could've denied at least a decade or her age. Her build was practical and sturdy from years of city life with the easy grace of someone who spent time navigating crowded streets and carrying trays or bundles without complaint. She wore her chestnut hair, that had now a few silver stripes in it, in a messy bun on top of her head. Several pencils were stuck in the bun probably holding it together. My mother always forgot where she put them and had to get a new one, resulting in about ten pencils in her bun by the end of her shift. She wore as usual simple, well-made clothing in earthy tones, like a deep green or rust-colored bodice over a cream blouse, and trousers for mobility, also an apron when she worked at the Rebel Rose. A small silver pendant, a strategic symbol nodding to the Red Knight, often rested on her chest. Her emerald eyes assessed the situation and she seemed to be at three places at the same time always. Smiling, serving her clients, making sure everything went fine in the kitchen and that they never run out of cold beer. She didn't notice that I was the one who walked through the door and without lifting her glance up from the stack of orders in her hands she said.

- Welcome to the Rebel Rose, how can I help? - I chuckled when she finally looked at me and her eyes widened.

- I'd never say no to a pint of beer, but for now I'd be happy with a hug! - Mom laughed and hugged me before noticing the backpack on my bag. She punched me in the shoulder and scolded me with a frown, but fighting her own smile.

- You only come to your mother before you go to risk your life! Can't you swing by on an ordinary day and The Lady forbid maybe help your old mother? - I looked around like searching for someone. She stomped with her arms crossed in front of her chest.

- What now smartass? - I scratched the back of my head and looked down at her, she was relatively tall for a human woman but still significantly shorter than I'm.

- I was just looking for that old mother of mine, but I only see a charming woman in front of me. - Mom couldn't help and laughed.

- If you were such a charmer with ladies as you are with me, I would have finally a lovely little daughter in law helping me around. - I sat at a table while she cleaned another and I said.

- You just want some free labor! I know you'd guilt trip her into working day and night! Actually, with not tying myself down, I'm saving an innocent woman's life! - A few regulars laughed out loud and my mom shook her head. In a few minutes, she came back to me with two bowls or freshly made stew and two pints of cold beer, along with some fresh bread. I handed her the rose bouquet and before we sat down to eat she took a sniff of the flowers, then gave them to the waitress to take care of them. The young girl she hired, kept an eye on everything while we chatted.

- So, where are you heading this time? Based on your luggages, this time you are after something bigger than a thief. - I took a spoonful of the stew with a huge bite of warm bread happily and sent them down with a sip of beer before answering.

- Nope, not this time. - I grabbed the documents and showed them to my mother, she frowned a bit and said.

- It is a good money, but an uncertain one. They have been looking for her for over two winters... - I shrugged and put the papers away.

- At least the ransom is good, and the bounty is fine for a mercenary like I'm. I can still take some side hustle on the way if I ran out of money. - Mother kneeled on the table resting her head on her fists.

- This woman seems to be dangerous Han, I'm not very happy about this decision, but you have spent enough time on Earth already to f**k your life up as you wish. I have one thing to ask.

- What is that?

- If she kills you make sure she brings you back to life. I need help here! - I laughed at her worries and got up to give her a big hug.

- I'll be fine! Rusty coins don't disappear! - I reached into my bag and handed a small pouch to my mother.

- What's this? - she asked and I grinned finishing my stew.

- A little help while I'm away. - She opened the pouch and shook her head.

- You'll need this. - She wanted to give back the 300 silver coins I gave her and I held her hands.

- I have enough and I can make more. - I gave a kiss to her forehead.

- I'll keep you posted mom, take care. - She nodded and I headed towards the door, before leaving I said.

- By the way, Sir Garrick told me to give you his greetings!

- You must return to tell him I said thank you! - mom yelled from the kitchen and with a full belly but without a plan, I headed out to my new adventure.