Tec Cat

Elena woke up in an alley without memory of how she got there. She sat down and started concentrating on remembering. The last thing she remembers was going to a party after work but one guy started bothering her, annoyed she decided to leave the party but her car would not start, so she started walking towards the nearest bus stop. On the way, two armed men approached her trying to take her bag. One of them shot her in the stomach. They panicked and ran away leaving her bleeding on the street, then everything went dark. She immediately checked her stomach but not only did she not find the wound, she realized her clothes were different. When she left the party she was wearing a pink blouse and jeans. Now she was wearing a blue dress and what seemed to be leather armor on top and she was covered in dirt. She checked her hands. They were smaller than before and instead of nails she had claws. She started checking the rest of her body. When she stood up she realized that she was shorter and she had a tail. Immediately she started looking for something to see her reflection on. By her side, there was a shortsword, a bow with a quiver, arrows, and a backpack. She went through the backpack. There were some clothes, some documents in a language she had never seen before, and some copper and silver coins with insignias she didn't recognize. She looked at the sword and unsheathed it. She could see her reflection in the blade. She was now a child around 14 or 16 years old, her hair was long and black, her eyes were blue and feline, in her mouth, there were feline-looking fangs and on top of her head, she could see two triangle-shaped figures. -What is this? Is this me?- she asked. Suddenly, her head started hurting as the memories came to her. Memories of another life in this life. She was a half catfolk half-human girl named Xenia Feifar. Her first 8 years were filled with happiness, with parents that loved her very much. One day her father was assigned a job in a growing town but on their way there their caravan was attacked by bandits. She managed to hide but everyone else in the caravan was killed, including her parents. She was found by a guard patrol a few hours later as she was the only survivor and she had no other relatives that she knew of. She was sent to an orphanage in a nearby town. The orphanage was directed by a section of the local church of Nithaen the goddess of justice, Xenia quickly formed a bond with Feynel a young ex-holy warrior that worked at the orphanage during the years she taught Xenia many things, including cooking, sowing, sword fighting, and using a bow and arrow. when Xenia turned 15 the orphanage couldn't take care of her anymore since now she was considered an adult, the orphanage considered hiring her to take care of the children but they didn't have enough funds and they couldn't get her a job in town do to the prejudice against Xenia's race, fortunately for Xenia, her parents had left her quite the inheritance, but to claim it she would have to travel to the city of Roulmont. The trip to Roulmont would not be a long one. The city is about half a day away on foot from Pinewood where the orphanage is. To prepare for the trip, the head of the orphanage and Feynel gave Xenia some provisions, including Feynel's old sword and a bow. They all said their goodbyes. Many of the other kids cried and the staff of the orphanage apologized for not being able to help her more. The trip was without incidents. At midday, she took a small break at the side of the road to eat and then she continued on her way until, finally, she could see the walls of Roulmont. The city was big, no surprise there. After all, it was the capital city of the kingdom of Rovean which was one of the most prosperous kingdoms on the continent. Xenia approached the big metal doors of the city and this is where her troubles really started. When she was about to enter, a guard stopped her. -You are not welcome here, half-breed- said the guard -I am not looking for trouble, I come from the orphanage of Pinewood, I have an appointment with the notary tomo...-Xenia was explaining but the guard pushed her into a mud puddle. -I said you are not welcome here half-breed, now scram!- said the guard, the people around pretended not to notice and some even laughed as they walked inside. -But I ha...- she started saying as tears formed in her eyes, but the guard lifted his club, Xenia closed her eyes and lifted her arms covering her face in a defensive position preparing for the hit, but it never came. She opened her eyes and saw a man in uniform holding the guard´s arm, stopping him. -What is the meaning of this? Why do I find my men attacking a small child?- said the man. The guard immediately changed. He stood at attention and gave a salute. -Captain, I have reason to believe this half-breed scum is part of the gangs that are roaming the city- said the guard. -I see, may I hear it?- said the captain. -E...excuse me captain?- asked the guard. -The reasons, you said you had reasons to believe she is part of a gang. Let's hear those reasons- answered the captain, clearly irritated. -We...well she couldn't explain her reasons for coming to the city- said the guard. -That's a lie! I tried to explain but he wouldn't let me- said Xenia. -You litt...- the guard started to say, but the captain made a sign indicating him to shut up. -I see, could I hear why did you come to the city?- said the captain as he offered Xenia a hand so she could stand up. -I come from the orphanage in Pinewood, I have an appointment with the notary tomorrow afternoon.- explained Xenia. -You have documentation to confirm this?- asked the captain. -I have a letter in my backpack- she answered. -May I see it- asked the captain. -Yes, of course- she answered as she looked for the card and handed it over. The captain looked over it. -This is enough to prove that she is what she claims, let her through, and let this be the last time I have to come because you assume something instead of verifying- said the captain as he handed the letter back. -YES SIR!- answered the guard. -Sorry about all the trouble miss, you can pass now- said the captain. -Thank you- said Xenia as she put her things away. -Miss, if I were you I would look for lodging on the west side of the city. I am afraid that it would be a little too hard for someone like you to find anyone willing to let you stay on this side of the city- said the captain with a sad look on his face. -Thanks for the advice, captain- answered Xenia and she continued into the city. Once inside, she decided to follow the captain's advice and headed to the west side of the city. She soon found out that finding a place to stay would be a lot harder than she thought. She went from inn to inn, but everywhere she went the answer was the same as she walked through the door. "WE DONT ACCEPT YOUR KIND HERE HALF-BREED!" and variations of that sometimes they even threw things at her. Eventually, she gave up and found a hiding place in a dark alleyway where she would spend the night. Now awake, Elena/Xenia concluded that she had somehow reincarnated and remembered her previous life. She suddenly felt a surge of emotions as the frustration of how she was stolen from her future as Elena, and how much she had to suffer as Xenia, she sat down and started crying. After a while, she finally managed to get her emotions in check, and she started thinking. ~My situation may not be as hopeless as I initially thought with the memories of my previous life I could recreate many inventions from my previous life and improve my life in this world~ with this realization. She stood up, having new hope. She promised herself she would not let herself be hopeless again. She would make a good life in this world. She looked at the sunrise with determination and her belly started growling. She realized that she hadn't eaten anything since the day before, so she picked up her things and decided to go look for something to eat. She decided against trying restaurants and inns since the reactions from the day before had convinced her that she wouldn't be able to even get inside one. Xenia decided to go for the food stalls but she soon found out that even getting food from the stalls would be difficult. As soon as she approached the first stall, the man there yelled -DON'T YOU DARE COME HERE, YOU FILTHY HALF-BREED- as he threw a chicken bone at her. She kept looking but the reaction was more or less the same in every stall. After two hours, she found herself in front of the cathedral of Kreneas, the goddess of knowledge. She sat on the stairs looking at the ground frustrated, hungry, and on the verge of tears, as despair took over her with the realization that even if she had the money and knowledge to replicate the technology of her previous life, it was all useless if she couldn't do business with anyone. Xenia was about to give up and start crying when a smell hit her nose. It smelled delicious. She turned around and saw a food stall on the side of the cathedral. She approached. It was a small wooden stall with an improvised kitchen behind the counter. On the side, there were a couple of tables set up under an improvised roof two robe figures were sitting at one of the tables. she approached the counter and saw the man's face contort as he was about to yell but before he could start Xenia started. -PLEASE I CAN PAY IN ADVANCE, I just want some food- the man looked at her with contempt on his face. -Very well but you take the food and eat somewhere else- said the man. Xenia took a quick look at the menu and decided on what to order. -Then I'll have the simple breakfast sandwich- said Xenia. -It's 5 silver coins- said the man. Xenia took another glance at the menu and it said that it was 1 silver coin. She considered complaining but she was afraid he would refuse to sell her food, so she took out the money and gave it to him. -Good- he says as he checks the coins, he pockets them and then starts preparing the food. Xenia waits patiently, seeing how he makes the eggs and bacon, then he puts them between the bread, condiments it, and then he extends his hand to hand it to Xenia, but when she was about to reach it, he lets it fall to the floor. -Look at what you've done you dumb cat, I will not make another one leave now!- he said, Xenia looked at the ruined sandwich on the floor and she could feel the tears descending from her eyes. She was thinking about what to do when she realized that the two robed figures were now standing beside her. -You think this is funny ?- ask the first one. He was a tall human male with brown-colored skin. -Are you okay little one?- said the other at the same time as she hugged Xenia, trying to comfort her. She was a human female. Her skin was white and some strands of blond hair could be seen through her hood. -Why do you care?- said the stall owner. The robed man suddenly reached out and grabbed the owner by the scruff of his shirt, making his silver-colored armor visible. It was the armor of a holy knight of Nithaen. -I care because I do not tolerate mistreatment of the innocent- said the knight, the owner now looked scared. -Ww...well. I, you see, she is clearly a thief. I was just teaching this thief a lesson- said the owner. -I am not a thief- answered Xenia, crying. -Oh the only thief I see here is you- said the woman, looking at the owner while holding Xenia. -Ww...what? I...- started saying the owner when a couple of guards that had noticed the commotion approached the stall. -What is going on here?- said one of the guards. The knight let go of the man and turned to answer the guards. -This man just tried to scam this girl in front of us- answered the knight. The guards looked at him and both stood at attention and gave a salute. -Sir Greggor- they said. The stall owner went pale when he heard the name. Sir Greggor Mayfer was the head of the knights of Nithaen. Everyone knew of his accomplishments. -Nnnn...no I didn't try to scam her, I was just trying to teach this thief a lesson- answered the owner, clearly more nervous now. -Are you saying Sir Greggor is lying?- said the woman, revealing her face from under her hood. -Hhhh...High Priestess Sereh I… I... I wouldn't dare. I was just trying to explain my actions- Answered the owner was clearly more nervous now. -You mean how you charged a girl you don't know more money for what you advertise your product, you purposely let the product fall to the ground, ruining it, and on top of that accused her of thievery without any evidence- said Lady Sereh. -Ww...well I...-started saying the owner but was interrupted. -Enough, you will give her her money back and apologize. After that you will pack your things and leave this place as this is enough to revoke your permit from the church of Kreneas to sell food on their premises- said Sir Greggor. -Wha... what? you can't do that- said the owner. -Actually, he can, since right now he is acting as the head of security to both the church of Kreneas and the church of Nithaen- answered Lady Sereh, the owner looked at her in shock after a little bit of time where he was clearly considering the situation he looked at Xenia. -I am sorry little miss- said the owner in a matter that didn't sound sincere at all, and he handed the money back to her. -Good, guards make sure he has moved out as soon as he can- ordered Sir Greggor. -Yes sir- they answered. -Come on little one, let's get you something decent to eat- said Lady Sereh. -Excuse me, high priestess, but there is something else- said one of the guards. -What is it?- asked Lady Sereh. -Well you see, due to the high number of reports of a gang of catfolk we have been ordered to thoroughly investigate any incident involving one of them, so we need to verify where this one got the money- answered one of the guards. -What you ca...- started saying Lady Sereh, but Sir Greggor interrupted. -It can't be helped-said Sir Greggor, looking at the high priestess, he then turns to Xenia, who was starting to get really nervous. -I am sorry little miss but do you have any documentation or someone who can verify where you got the money?- asked Sir Greggor with, soothing voice trying to calm Xenia down. -I... it's the money that sister Feynel and the others gave me for my travel expenses- answered Xenia. -Sister Feynel Nezdekt of the Pinewood Orphanage?- asked Sir Greggor. -Yes, I came from there. I arrived at Roulmont yesterday- said Xenia. -In that case, can you show us your identification papers?- asked Sir Greggor. -Yes, here you go- said Xenia as she handed the papers to Sir Greggor. He took the papers and quickly read them. -Here the papers identify her as Xenia Faifar, raised by the Pinewood orphanage, signed by Mother Noel Ninzam of the church of Nithaen. This should be enough to verify her story- said Sir Greggor. -Well, I will not argue with you about it, Sir Greggor, since her papers come from the church of Nithaen and you say they're authentic- said one of the guards. -Sorry to disturb you, Lady Faifar. You may go on your way- said the older-looking guard. Xenia thought the way he said her last name was odd. It sounded like there was a little bit of nostalgia in his voice, but she decided not to press on the matter. -Now we will get you something decent to eat. Come on, I know a place nearby- said Lady Sereh as she extended her hand to Xenia. -Oh okay- said Xenia shily as she took the hand of Lady Sereh and they started walking with Sir Greggor right by their side. -Do you know Feynel?- asked Xenia to Sir Greggor. -Yes, she served with me during the war, she was one of the finest warriors I have trained, but I am glad she found her true calling- answered Sir Greggor. -She found her true calling? I thought she retired due to an injury?- asked Xenia. -Yes she was injured badly during the war, but she was healed by a miracle of the goddess and, during her recovery, she stayed at the orphanage of Pinewood, after that she decided to retire and help the orphanage- answered Sir Greggor. -I see she is always helping the children. There is no one in the orphanage that doesn't like her- said Xenia. -She must love you and trust you very much. She entrusted you with her sword. After all- said Sir Greggor, this made Xenia smile ~there were kind people in this world. After all maybe there is hope for the future~ they continue talking until they arrived at a small inn with a sign that read "The Drunk Cat Inn" Xenia remembered her experience the day before, but Sir Greggor and Lady Sereh put their hands on her shoulders to comfort her, and they went inside, it was very lively place all costumers and workers seemed happy, and they were of all races even catfolk, Xenia found herself wishing to have found this place yesterday. -Good morning High Priestess and company, have you come to give me back the money you stole from me- said the half-orc from behind the counter. -How rude. I didn't steal anything. I won it fair and square- answered Lady Sereh. -Fair and square? You cheated- said the half-orc. -Mr. Bloodscale are you accusing Lady Sereh Rammam the high priestess of the goddess Kreneas, of cheating?- asked Sir Greggor. -Yes, and you wouldn't be defending her if you played with her before she always cheats, right boys?- said the half-orc to everyone in the room. They all responded with a resounding yes, meanwhile, Xenia was watching the whole situation while panicking, thinking Sir Greggor would start a fight with the half-orc. -Mr. Bloodscale I will have you know it is very rude to accuse the high priests of any church of cheating in front of their guests, even if they do cheat- answered Sir Greggor, and everyone started laughing. -I do not cheat!- said Lady Sereh, sulking. -Sorry high priestess, maybe I took the joke too far. Please come in. What can I do for you this fine morning- said the half-orc as he walked them to a table. -Bring us a full course breakfast, my little friend, here is really hungry- said Lady Sereh, while Xenia was blushing as her stomach made noises. -I can hear that- said the half-orc as he went to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Lady Sereh signaled one of the other waitresses, a young pureblooded catgirl approached her, and Lady Sereh whispered something to her. The girl looked at Xenia and she smiled. -Of course, Lady Sereh- said the catgirl and she went to the back. After a little bit, she returned with a bowl with water and a towel she placed on the table, Lady Sereh thank her, and she grabbed the towel. She smiled at Xenia and started cleaning her face. Xenia blushed as she realized she was still covered in dirt. While that was happening, the half-orc came back from the kitchen with some fresh bread. -Breakfast is going to take a little bit longer to cook, so I brought you some appetizers- said the half-orc. He put them on the table, he looked at Xenia with a smile, and suddenly his face changed as he realized something. - Little lady have we met before?- he asked. -I don't think so I came from Pinewood- answered Xenia even though she did think he seemed familiar. -I could have sworn I knew you from somewhere- he answered. -It's because you probably do. After all, she is Xenia Faifar- said Lady Sereh. Everyone in the inn suddenly went quiet. -She is Xanu's and lady Venetia's daughter. I thought she had died with her parents- said the half-orc, and everyone started whispering. -She does look just like lady Venetia- said a woman that came out of the kitchen, she put some dishes on the table, and suddenly the half-orc started crying. -I am so glad you survived we was all devastated when we heard that your caravan was attacked by bandits- he said, as he hugged Xenia. -Leave her alone you big baby, you are making her uncomfortable- said the woman as she tried to separate him from Xenia. Finally, she succeeded. -Did you know my parents?- asked Xenia. -Yes, in fact, we owe your father a lot without him. We wouldn't have this Inn- said the woman. They started telling Xenia how her father worked at the King's bank and how he helped everyone he could. While he worked there, after a while the breakfast was put on the table and they ate while everyone there told stories of her parents and Xenia told them what she had experienced since she arrived in the city, they prepared a room for her and a hot bath so she could be more, presentable when she met the notary, after that she had to go to her appointment so she left her things in her room grabbed the letter and her papers and set out to meet the notary, for some reason the high priestess and Sir Greggor insisted on accompanying her. She arrived at the notary. At first, when she arrived, the clerk took a quick look at her -what do you want?-she asked, clearly annoyed. -I have an appointment- answered Xenia, handing the letter to the clerk. She took the letter and suddenly stopped as she saw the two figures standing behind Xenia and realized who they were. She immediately put the letter to the side and stood up. -Sir Greggor, Lady Sereh to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?- she asked, clearly surprised. -Don't mind us, we are just accompanying our little friend here- said Lady Sereh while putting her hands on Xenia's shoulders. The clerk looked dumbfounded, Xenia just gave her a nervous smile. -Ah yes I will let the notary know that she is here- she took the letter from the desk and hurried to the office in the back. After a little bit, she came out with a man. He looked to be in his early twenties but, judging by his ears and beard, he was probably a half-elf so he might be a couple of hundred years old. -Sir Greggor, Lady Sereh it's been so long, and Lady Xenia I was so happy to hear you were alive and coming to get your inheritance, horrible tragedy what happened to your family. Your father was a great man, please come in. I have been expecting you- said the notary. They entered the office. It was a big space. There were bookshelves full of documents, a big wooden desk right under the window, and in front of the desk, there were two sofas and a coffee table. The notary invited them to take a seat. -So I imagine that you two will be here as witnesses, am I right?- asked the notary. -You are correct- answered the high priestess. -Very well, may I offer you some tea while I get the documents- said the notary as the clerk entered with a teapot. -Yes please- said Lady Sereh, Sir Greggor made a gesture politely refusing, and Xenia accepted the tea. -Ah here we go- said the notary as he took out some documents. He sat across the table and put the documents on the table. -This is the Will of Xanu and Venetia Faifar. I will read the relevant part- started the Notary -In case of untimely death we leave everything to our daughter Xenia Faifar, the total is 300 gold and a property in the town Arkney- said the notary -here is the deed of the property and a letter to the central bank of Roulmont so you can claim the money- he continued, afterward, they said their goodbyes and headed to the central bank, there wasn't much trouble there, as soon as they saw the Lady Sereh and Sir Greggor they immediately gave Xenia her money. After that, they returned to the inn. They talked a little more about Xenia's future and she decided that she would travel to the town of Arkney to start to make her life there. They tried to convince her to stay in Roulmont but she decided to go to Arkney. A few days passed, and she was now ready to travel. Everyone had helped her buy the supplies she needed for the long journey and the high priestess had found a caravan that could take her part of the way. They all went to say goodbye to her and wished her good travels. Xenia said goodbye to everyone with tears in her eyes and she departed hoping to have taken the right decision. -Are you sure we should not inform the king that she is alive?- asked Sir Greggor to Lady Sereh. -Yes, my instincts tell me that if he finds out right now, he will interfere with her destiny- answered Lady Sereh -besides he will find out soon enough. -You are probably right, still, I wonder why the gods have chosen such a small child and what plans they have for her- said Sir Greggor. -Everything will be revealed soon enough. We can only have faith in them and in young Xenia- answered Lady Sereh as they saw the caravan disappear on the horizon.