Echoes of Etherealands

I ventured into the depths of a secretive place—an enigmatic enclave known only to the elite high-class mages of the realm.
As a young child, I lived in Lawless Haven, an unruly and sprawling town. Without any knowledge of my parents, I resorted to thievery for survival. The town was a hotbed of illegal activities, with black markets, thieves, killers, and slave traders lurking around every corner.

One day, after observing the notorious slave trader and his captives, I discreetly followed his every move, intrigued by the secrets he held. When he finished his work and retired to the inn, I saw the perfect opportunity to take action.

With quick reflexes and a fearless determination, I swiftly snatched the trader's bag and dagger when he momentarily turned away.

The trader quickly noticed the theft and immediately began to pursue me relentlessly through the winding alleyways. With every step, I could feel his presence drawing nearer, his intent palpable in the air. My heart raced as I frantically searched for an escape route, but it was too late. I found myself trapped in a dead-end alley, a sense of dread washing over me. I could feel the walls closing in around me.

With each step, the trader closed the distance between us. His grin twisted into a sinister sneer, revealing his true nature. His eyes glinted with a predatory gleam, a manifestation of his dark intentions. As he inched closer, the air grew heavy with menace, his presence suffocating. "Nowhere to run, you insignificant rat," he sneered, He leaned in closer, his voice a venomous whisper. "Once I capture you, your fate will be sealed. I will auction you off to the highest bidder, and you will become nothing more than a prized possession, a toy for the wealthy to torment and control. There will be no sanctuary, no reprieve from the cruelty that awaits you."

Fear gripped me, paralyzing my thoughts. With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I instinctively hurled the stolen bag at the trader's face, momentarily blinding him. Seizing the opportunity, I drew the stolen dagger, my hands trembling with a mix of fear and determination. In a heart-pounding moment, I struck out, taking a life for the first time. The trader's body fell to the ground, lifeless, as the weight of my actions sank in.
Shaken and filled with conflicting emotions, I gathered the stolen goods and fled the scene without looking back.

Exhaustion eventually caught up with me, and I awoke in a dense forest, disoriented and plagued by hunger. As I wandered, my weary steps led me to the tranquil banks of a meandering river. I stooped down, cupping my hands to drink, relieving the parched sensation in my throat and finding a fleeting moment of solace from the inner chaos that consumed me.

I noticed the weathered wooden house nestled among ancient trees. Cautiously, I entered the dwelling, surprised to find it empty. Despite its deserted appearance, the house exuded an air of tranquility and careful preservation—a stark contrast to the chaos and decay of the town I had left behind.

As I exited the house, I was taken aback to find the old man, the hunter, standing before me with a lifeless deer slung over his shoulder. His presence was unexpected, and I could sense a mix of surprise and curiosity in his gaze. It became apparent that this weathered wooden house belonged to him, and I had unknowingly entered his domain, leading to our unexpected encounter at the doorstep.