Escaping from Reajh when all of the chaos was going down had nearly cost her her life. Her brother was there, and she always had that fear, always watching over her back that he would come for her, take her away and try to conquer her yet again with the unspeakable acts from before. It was from him that she ran. From him, and from the chaos consuming all of Connlaoth. She had to get out. This country was no longer safe for her. How could she call a place home that suddenly turned every mage and magic user into an enemy? How could she call it home when her brother had gone mad?
No, she had to fight, and run and move on. She had to start a life anywhere. So wearily, Kella found herself stumbling into Matron's Hallow. The chaos hadn't quite reached this city, but the rumors had already begun to spread. But she was too tired and thankful the people here didn't look at her as if she were some sinister monster as they had back in Reajh, so she kept her cloak over her head securely, and tightened her coat to keep it snug against her body. She just needed to find more supplies, but she was almost out of money, and she had no idea where to go from here. She was so hungry, she found herself shaking as she moved down the street, looking for something, anything that can help her on her way. Maybe food first, then she could focus on the rest later, as she took in the savory aromas steaming out from a nearby tavern.
Standing outside the front, she stared in through the window, but was taken back when she noticed her reflection. She was soiled and dirty, her hair beginning to come in longer again. She'd have to cut it soon. And a bath would be needed, but it wasn't required to survive. But by the God's, the day was chilling. SHe breathed into her
hand.It was still autumn, but today, it felt chilly, as if winter were already well on it's way. At least she still appeared more like a man, the clothing she had taken from her brother would work wella nd was so soiled, it was undetectable that it was his.. or, at least she hoped her brother would not detect it. But she was always on edge, so when someone approached her, she gave a yelp, then looked away.
"Eh? You ok there, sir?" the old man asked, his lower lip jutting out in flickering pout.
Kella cowered away, but simply nodded her head. She was afraid to speak, afraid to give away that she wasn't a man. It was best to pretend to be someone else.. something else.
"Were you interested in coming in? The foods hot and fresh- made daily, and only a few coppers for a bowl!" he said.
She smiled at his words, slowly nodded at them before stepping on inside. But the crowd inside was rather rowdy, so she was thankful there was a quiet seat in the back, a small table with only one other patron sitting at it, and when they hadn't noticed her when she took the seat, she figured it was ok to remain here. It was quieter on this side of the tavern, and she rubbed her hands together and turned towards the fire, keeping her hood over her head still and her eyes to the ground. She'd have to be quick. Get in, get the food, and get out. Maybe get some extra for the road, but that was all she could afford.
Who knew if her brother was aware she was heading south. She had to get over the boarder, and she had to do it fast.