Amelia/Crimson Dress/1

From Create Your Own Story

Author : Vipeout (Slightly differs from the main Amelia story-line as Amelia's mother is still very much alive and reappears later on. 
This was Changed in the main story long after this post was originally created)

You head to the main hall knowing everyone will be there for breakfast, as you walk to the hall you realise that it is still very early and not many will be in the great hall. So you not surprised to find only a few people in the great hall, but you are surprised to find those their seem to be waiting for you, and you are very surprised to see your father is one of them.

"About time you got here!" Your father comments gruffly to the whole hall. You and your father have not been on the best of terms since the death of your mother. He was finding your transition from his little girl to an young lady difficult, but when his grief from the loss of your mother was added in, dealing with you became too hard. Wrapped up in your own grief you know you didn't make it easy for him. You avoided him whenever possible, today you find that you can acknowledge this was inexcusable.

"Sorry I'm late but no one mentioned I was supposed to come here." You reply firmly, as you calmly walking forward, smiling at him. As you get closer you can see unshed tears glittering in his eyes. The last time you can remember him crying was when your mother died.

"You’re not late, just cutting it fine. But we have to hustle if you are going to be in Dubrovnik tonight. Now give me a hug." He replies coming to his feet and wrapping you in his arms. Dubrovnik is a very wealthy walled free city, it was once part of the kingdom but declared its independence when the kingdom fragmented in a civil war about 150 years ago, and has somehow managed to stay independent. A great road, wide straight beautifully paved and enhanced with earth magic, runs from here to there, making it just possible to get there in a day. Without the great road the trip would take 3 days to a week.

"Are you coming with me?" You ask quietly into his ear hugging him back hard, knowing this is unlikely. Your voice sounds strange to your own ears and unshed tears start to blur your own vision.

"Nay lass, Duran is taking you..." Your father replies apologetically, he is still hugging you, and his reply is for your ears only. Duran is the captain of guard, a personal friend of your fathers, his skills as a warrior are legendary, and so is his unkempt appearance. While you respect his abilities, his general slovenliness, lack of respect, and irritating personality normally make you avoid him.

"And the rest of my retinue?" Again you ask quietly, oddly you are not irritated Duran is leading your escort, instead today it makes you feel safe. You smile thinking of the quite chat while hugging. The kings word is law, but while the two of you are quietly talking, decisions are not final.

"I'm really sorry lass, it was agreed you are to retain no retinue..." Your father sounds painfully upset as he quietly apologies this time. Then he raises his voice in command saying "Now come with me I have a gift for you." He releases you and strides to the door at the end of the great hall, he unlocks the door and motions you into the small office where he keeps his journals. Normally he allows no one to enter this room.

Inside he gestures to:

A piece of paper

A large book with an ornate cover

A pair of boots

Status
Health 100 Equipment:

Crimson Dress

Stamina 100
Mood Annoyed Inventory:

Mother's Wedding Ring(keepsake)

Purse 2000, 495, 00
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