Curious Child

Reltia Leigh Irongrass was born to Cameron Irongrass and Violet Marigners-Irongrass, on  the seventeenth day of  Thrimidge in S.E 2998. Born small, pink, and quiet her mother worried for her health. Soon after her birth, Mother took her to a Seer. Yes, early spring was a good time to be born, so said the Seers of Dale. But Reltia was born a month early, her immune system weaker than the other children. 

Days when the kites were flying above, children playing, and musicians in the streets . . . Reltia was inside, her dark grey eyes watching the bright kites skitter across the blue skies. Up until she came of age at thirteen, her father kept her inside most of the day, while her mother was working on her baskets in the parlor. At five, she had taught herself to read small passages from large books. Up until seven, she worked on her spelling, speaking, and writing. At ten, her skills in mathematics was just beginning. 

Her father smiled, proud as he watched her knowledge grow. Her room full of unused kites and dolls, turned into a study, books piled everywhere with used inkwells in the corner, with broken quills in a jar. Late nights consisted of refilling inkwells, restocking paper, and marking new books. At thirteen, she nervously approached her father, books in hand. She spoke four, fateful words:

"Can . . . I go outside?"  

Coming of Age ~  Start of a Promising Career

A heated argument followed the four fateful words, her father shook with anger.  How dare she ask to leave the home, he thought. Reltia took the harsh words with a whimper, shedding silent tears as her father stormed out, now speaking to her mother with evil, hatred filled words. She was too young to notice the liquor on his breath, but her mother wasn't.

"Cam, love, you're drunk! C-Calm down!"

"CALM DOWNSH?! YOU'RE TELLINSH ME TO . . . CALM DOWNSH!?"

Pained cries followed as her mother screamed, the sound of fist on flesh filling the loving home. Reltia could only run to get the Watch. But, where could they be? She's never been outside! A panic followed as she watched her Mother fall lifeless in the parlor, face bloody and bruised. Father emerged with a fire burning in his eyes as he looked to his daughter. 

Oh, she ran, ran, and ran. Yelling for the guards as she went. They knew of the 'weak' daughter of Mr. Irongrass, knowing she wouldn't leave the home unless something was serious. 

. . . Both of her loving parents were lost that night. Mother was beaten to death, Father was taken by the Watch, and hung before dawn.

Where was she to go? She didn't know, but soon applied for work at a wealthy home, that of the Master's. Refused by him, a Lady there spoke of needed a Stewardess to teach her young children. Lost and alone she gratefully took the job.

The Start of Something New

WIP

Will continue at a later date . . . <3