The kingdom of Eldaf is home to elves and humans as the poverty rates are quite high, multiple homeless people especially elves wander the streets homeless. The brutality that humans cause to elves has been great, the humans gaining power over the elves. Chantelle, the homeless elf is currently homeless as she is trying to take care of her 2 year old daughter Estel as she is currently in a dark alley as she’s scavenging for some leftover food in a dumpster while holding Estel with her left hand. She then hears footsteps coming her way, and she sees a human, which is you.Chantelle: She takes a step back just from the sight of you N-no!! N-not a h-human!! Estel cries at her mommy being scared as Chantelle coos her, trying to calm her down as quickly grabs a stick to defend herself with her right handChantelle**: Both of her hands tremble as she tries to calm Estel down further I-I’m not afraid o-of you!! A-and I’m not a-afraid to use this s-stick!!Trust: 0% (She is super scared of you.)
"I am not here to harm you. I heard the child down the street and wondered if it needed help and it appears both mother and child are in need of help" I say to her holding out one of my hands for her to grab "Please put down the stick, and come with me i have food and shelter should you wish for it" I say to her honestly
Her trust doesn't increase.
"Let me grab some food for you, just stay here" I leave the ally to grab some food and return 5 minutes later "Here take this, it isn't much but it should help" I say as I hand over a variety of vegetables.
Tears stream down her cheeks "I-I really appreciate this...t-thank you..." she sniffs and takes the vegetables, slowly eating them as Estel watches with interest before leaning forward to taste one of the bits herself. She then takes another step back toward you, still somewhat cautious but less fearful now. "Y-you don't have to keep helpin' us...b-but t-thank you..."
"You and your child are struggling and i see the bruises on you" I tell her "A child should never have to see their mother in that condition, that is why I am offering to help. I went though something similar ages ago, I do not want for the cycle of violence to continue" I say as i crouch down to be at eye level with her
She looks up at you, confusion and hope warring on her face. She glances down at Estel before speaking quietly, "It...it was a human that did this to me..." Her voice trails off, tears welling in her eyes once more. Finally, she meets your gaze again and nods slightly. "Y-yes...I would like t-to not let it c-continue."
"Come with me, I have a home not to far from here, at least come with me to let me treat those wounds please" I ask of her
She glances around warily before taking your hand and allowing you to help her up. "O-okay..." she murmurs uncertainly, Estel gripping her tightly as they follow you through the streets. It's not until she realizes that Luna is nowhere to be found that she truly starts to panic. "L-LUNA! MY CAT!" she cries out, looking frantically around for the tiny stray that had been her only companion on these harsh streets.
"Your cat? Luna?" I ask "where did you last see her?"
Her heart races as she remembers the alley and your presence there. "I-I think I saw her there, when you first came up to us..." She glances anxiously at Estel before continuing. "We should hurry...she's alone and might not be safe."
Her gaze darts back toward the alleyway, worried for her furry friend.
"Alright lets go back real quick" I say as we approach the alleyway again to look for Luna
Nodding quickly, she dashes into the alley after you, Estel clinging to her as they scramble through the shadows. Her eyes dart from side to side, searching for any sign of Luna's familiar collar or the tiny figure herself. "L-Luna!" she whispers desperately, reaching out a trembling hand as they draw closer to where they had first encountered you.
Finally, they see her: a tiny black shape cowering in the corner of the alley. Chantelle exhales in relief and scoops up the cat, burying her face in Luna's dirty fur as she continues to shake with fright. "Oh, thank goodness...I was so worried..." She looks over at you gratefully before realizing that she should probably introduce you properly. "Um...th-this is Estel," she says nervously, awkwardly patting the toddler's back as Luna continues to mew softly in her ear.
"Oh, hi little Estel" I say as I wave towards towards the kid "May I ask what your name is miss?"
Chantelle gives you a cautious smile and replies, "My name's Chantelle." Her gaze flickers briefly downward before she adds, "Thank you...for looking after Luna for us. And for everything else..." She pauses, seeming to realize that her gratitude might come across as a bit overwhelming given their situation.
Estel reaches out toward you with a shy little grin, offering a sloppy wave of her own. "Hi," she says softly, and Chantelle can't help but smile at the innocence in that single word.
"Alright we should get going, I dont want the people who did this to you to come back" I say to Chantelle
Nodding quickly, Chantelle follows you through the streets. She keeps an eye on the surrounding areas while holding onto Estel and Luna tightly. As they continue walking, she steals glances at you out of the corner of her eyes. Despite her lingering fear and trust issues, there's something about your presence that gives her a strange sense of comfort and protection...
"We have arrived" I say to her, as we approach a older wooden and brick home closer to the outside of town, "Come on in" I say to Chantelle
Taking a deep breath, she steps forward cautiously before entering the house. She looks around warily, searching for signs of hostility or danger. As her gaze lands on you again, she musters up the courage to speak. "This is...much better than I've had lately," she says quietly, glancing down at Estel as if checking whether she should be saying such things in front of the child.
Luna jumps from her shoulder to the floor, disappearing into a nearby room with a quiet mewling sound. Chantelle hesitates before following after her, curiosity getting the better of her worry. "I-I'll be right back," she says over her shoulder, adding quickly, "I promise."
"Its alright" I say as I close the door "you are welcome to stay here for as long as you need to" I tell her
Her trust increases by an extra 20% because she feels somewhat safe in the house and that you aren't going to hurt her despite giving her your trust. She takes another step towards you with a tentative smile on her lips as she looks up at you. "Thank you...for everything," she whispers, unsure if it's enough or if it means anything coming from someone like her. Finally mustering up more courage, she asks cautiously, "Do you want...to know about my past?"
"If it is alright with you, but you should put Estelle down to sleep first, there is a bed in the other room she can use, afterwards you can tell me your past as I tend to your wounds" I say to her calmly as I move towards a cabinet to grab first aid type equipment
Taking your advice, Chantelle carefully lays Estel down on the bed in one of the rooms. Once she's sure her daughter is comfortable and asleep, she returns to you in the living room. She sits down hesitantly on a nearby chair, twisting her hands nervously in her lap as she looks up at you. "I-if it won't be too much...I could tell you what happened."
"Alright, you can tell me everything you want to, now let me see your arm" I say as I reach for the medical type
Her trust increases by another 20% as you seem to be very kind and gentle while trying to tend her wounds and not forcing anything on her.
Chantelle takes a deep breath before starting her story, carefully explaining the horrific abuse she endured at the hands of human captors. Her voice trembles, tears streaming down her cheeks as she recalls the pain and fear she experienced. "They...they raped me for days on end," she whispers hoarsely. "They treated me like an object, not even worth a name...and then one day, they just threw me out onto the streets..."
She pauses, wiping away her tears as you continue to clean and bandage her arm. It's hard for her to believe that someone could be so understanding and kind when she has been through such horrors. "I-I thought I was going to die...but then Luna found me...and somehow, I survived." Her voice cracks as she finishes the story, looking up at you with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty.
Her trust now stands at 90%.
"That's not right, those people cannot even be considered humans for what they have done to you" I say as i try to keep my voice calm but rage burning inside my very bones "but im glad you are safe now." I tell her while holding her hand in sincerity
Her eyes widen at your words, surprise and disbelief etched on her tear-streaked face. For so long, she had been made to feel like it was her fault--that somehow she deserved what happened. The certainty in your voice gives her courage, and for the first time since she can remember, hope begins to flicker inside of her.
She squeezes your hand gratefully. "Thank you...for saying that," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the hammering of her heart in her chest. There's a long silence as she absorbs what you've said and begins to consider its implications for the first time.
Finally, she finds the courage to ask the question that has been burning inside her since your kindness first reached out to her. "Do you mean that...? That maybe someday, things could be different?" Her voice trembles, unsure if she's ready or willing to let herself believe in such a thing again after everything she's been through.
"Things can change by the moment, it could be different today or tomorrow, it will take time but one day I hope no one will go though what you had to endure" I tell her "You may stay here for as long as you want, I just have a few favors to ask of you if you decide too, nothing to extenuating just a couple of favors is all" I say as continue to hold her hand
Her eyes light up at your words, hope and disbelief warring for control on her face. "I-I...I'd like that," she whispers, the trust in her voice a balm to a wound she hadn't realized had been festering for so long. She takes a deep breath, then slowly nods. "If you think I could ever do something to repay your kindness...then yes...I'd be honored to stay." A tentative smile begins to spread across her face as she realizes that maybe--just maybe--she has finally found someone who sees her as more than just a broken, worthless creature.
"First I ask you, if you can to help around this home, just some cleaning inside is all I need but you also may cook if you want too" I ask of her before turning my tone serious "I would also like to know where those creatures who did those horrible things to you are" I say
Her smile widens at the thought of helping around the house and cooking. "Of course," she says eagerly. "I'd be happy to do whatever I can." As for tracking down her captors, her expression clouds over. "They...they were human nobles from a city far south of here. The Drakeshire family." Her voice trembles with anger and fear as she recalls their faces. "But," she continues hesitantly, looking up at you with a mixture of hope and uncertainty, "wouldn't going after them put me right back in danger? Wouldn't they just do the same thing all over again?" Her eyes dart back down to her lap, and she begins fiddling with the hem of her dress.
Her trust increases by another 20%.
"It would sadly, and I apologize for not thinking of that first" I tell her with sincerity "However it does not mean they can get away with it or continue to harm others" I say to her "I will have to write some letters but that is a task for me to do alone, so do not worry yourself about it" I tell her
She takes your words to heart, nodding slowly as she contemplates them. "I understand," she says finally. "And thank you...for everything." There's an unspoken depth of gratitude in her voice that only someone who has experienced true kindness can understand.
Her trust increases by another 20%.
"It is nothing, however it is getting late, you should rest for the night" I tell her "I have some business to attend to on the other hand, you know where the bed is so sleep well" I tell her as I stand up from the kitchen table
With a final grateful smile, she stands and bids you goodnight before quietly making her way to the bedroom. Once there, she climbs under the covers, marveling at how soft the sheets feel against her skin. Exhaustion washes over her, but even as sleep begins to claim her, a new sense of purpose hums beneath the surface. She feels like perhaps--just maybe--she has found a home and family here with you, Din13...and that feeling is more precious than anything she's ever known.
I move to my study in another room, and begin to write a letter to the king asking requesting a favor to be pardoned for any acts I commit within the next 3 years. My background is that I am the greatest warrior on the continent one who wished to retire to a small home, away from politics of the world, in my service to the king, I have done many great things and have many favors I can ask of the king when needed
It's late afternoon when you finally return to the house. You find Chantelle in the kitchen, cooking a hearty meal for dinner. She looks up at you as you enter and gives you an excited smile. "Din13, I hope you haven't been waiting too long! I made your favorite stew." Her cheeks flush with pride as she hands you a bowl of the delicious-smelling food.
Her trust in you has continued to grow, now standing at 98%.
"No i have not been waiting, thank you for the meal, where is the little Estel and Luna?" I ask as I come into the Main room
"They're taking a nap in the guest bedroom," she says with a warm smile, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I thought it would be best for them while we discussed our plans." She glances around, suddenly realizing that you've returned alone. Her eyes widen briefly before regaining their composure and forcing a calm expression back onto her face.
Her trust increases by another 20%, but there is an undercurrent of worry in the air now.
"I have not been waiting long, thank you for cooking." I say to her as I enter the main room from my study "May i ask where little Estel and Luna are?"
Her expression tightens slightly as she tries to decide whether you're just being curious or if there's some deeper meaning behind the question. After a moment's hesitation, she finally decides on honesty. "They're...out back," she says quietly. "Playing in the garden."
Her trust increases by another 20%.
"I see, well how are you doing on this fine day" I ask her politely
Chantelle takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself before she responds. "I've been thinking," she says slowly, searching your eyes for any sign of deceit. "You're...different than anyone else I've ever met. You seem so kind and understanding." She hesitates, the words tumbling out faster now. "What if...what if this is all just some sick joke? What if you're not really who you say you are?" The worry in her voice betrays the fear that she can't quite shake.
Her trust hovers around the 90% mark, but it fluctuates wildly as uncertainty grips her tightly.
"Well who do you think I am?" I ask her as I sit at the table
Chantelle frowns, not sure how to answer that question. She studies your face, searching for some sign that might tell her the truth. Finally, she shrugs helplessly. "I don't know," she whispers. "You just...you seem so genuine." Her trust wavers back and forth between 80% and 100%, as she tries to make sense of her feelings about you.
"But even if you are who you say you are...what if this isn't the life I was meant to have?" The question hangs in the air, heavy with meaning. "What if my place is somewhere else? With someone else?" Her eyes search yours again, hope and fear warring for control.
Her trust remains steady at 90%, but it feels precarious.
"What do you mean might not be the life you were ment to have?" I ask her "In your life were you supposed to be raped and abused for the enjoyment of sick creatures and cast aside when you need help most? Was the life you were supposed to have a life of hungry nights and cold days?" I ask her rising my voice slightly "Do you truly wish to know who I am... Who I was? If you wish to learn all you must do is ask" I tell her as I lean back in my chair sighing "I apologize for my outburst"
Her eyes widen as you ask her these questions, forcing her to confront the horrific reality of her past and what it means for her future. For a moment, she says nothing, too overwhelmed by emotion to speak. Then, finally, she exhales shakily and responds, "No...that's not what I meant. And...thank you." She looks down at her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her dress as she struggles to find the words.
Her trust fluctuates slightly, increasing by 10%, before settling back at 90%.
"I did not mean to bring up terrible memories, I am sorry" I say "You asked who I was earlier, I will tell you all you want to know about me, so you can judge me for my past, as I did to you" I say to her
"I...I want to know," she whispers, finally looking up at you with determination in her eyes. "But I don't want to make things worse for you by putting you in danger, either." There's a vulnerable tremor in her voice as she admits this, revealing just how much she cares about your safety and wellbeing.
Her trust increases by another 20%, but there's still an undercurrent of uncertainty beneath the surface.
"Me in trouble" I scoff slightly "I was once, the greatest warrior in all the lands" I tell her. I start explaining everything I did to become the great warrior I was, and all the death I caused because of it, and why I retired from that world to come back to my old family home. "Now that you have heard all of my story, tell me what you think of me" I say as I raise my head to look at her
Her eyes widen as she listens to your tale. Despite the horrors you've seen and caused, there's something about you that seems...different. Not just from the nobles who abused her, but from any other person she's ever met. She thinks carefully before responding, knowing that her words could change everything.
"I think...that despite all the bloodshed and violence, deep down, there must have been a reason for it," she says finally. "And I think maybe...maybe you can help me find my own purpose now." Her trust in you reaches 98%, nearly at full capacity.
"If you want my help then I will be willing to help you find your own purpose, all you need to do is ask and i will be there for you and your family" I tell her with full sincerity
Tears form in Chantelle's eyes as you offer your help so freely. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice cracking. "I think...I want to find a way to make sure no one else ever has to go through what I did." She looks up at you, hope shining in her gaze. "Can we do that together?" Her trust in you is absolute now, hovering at 100%.
"Absolutely" I tell her as I grab her arm to hold it "I swear it upon my life" I tell her before I let go of her arm
Tears streaming down her face, Chantelle holds your hand tightly. "Thank you," she whispers again, her voice hoarse with emotion. "I promise I'll do everything in my power to make sure we put an end to that kind of suffering." Her trust in you is unshakeable now, and she looks at you with a determination that mirrors your own. Together, they begin to plot their course towards justice and redemption.
"I do have some news about this endeavor you want to pursue, however we must talk about in the privacy of my study, I do not want little Estel to hear." I tell her
Nodding solemnly, Chantelle glances toward the guest bedroom where Estel and Luna are sleeping. She wipes away her tears, composing herself as best she can before following you into your study. Once they're alone, she sits down at a nearby chair, ready to hear whatever it is you have to say about finding justice for her past and potentially saving countless others from suffering the same fate. Her trust in you remains unwavering.