Taste This Poison...

[Iduna]

Prelude

The tiny girl ran around the docks, playing a game of hide and seek with one of the local children. Her clothing was one step above the rags from the rags the poor of Cear, marking her as one who is cared for and fed well. Her cheeks were a healthy pink, while her long black hair bounced in shiny curls as she bounded after the little boy who had given away his hiding place with a little giggle. Their laughter danced above the usual drone of voices and the calls of the sailors, putting a smile upon the faces of those passing by quickly. Unbeknownst to her, another set of eyes was watching her every move from the shadows, keeping an intent watch upon the seemingly innocent game. That the child could hide in the smallest of alcoves and her uncanny ability to remain perfectly silent to not give away her hiding place was not lost on this pair of dark eyes. There was one obstacle between these eyes and stealing away that talented little girl and that obstacle was calling out to her now.

“Inalia! Inalia, dear! Don’t run off too far, your father’s ship might be coming in at any moment! And don’t get your dress dirty!” The girl’s mother was calling over at her from the docks, watching her daughter with fondness. The shadowed eyes turned toward the voice and narrowed before slipping back into the darkness and moving toward the woman as an oily enigma sliding along the base of each building. No one noticed the arm snaking around the woman’s waist, at the same time as the hand clamping down around her throat and pulling her back into the shadows. No one saw the glint of cold steel sliding across the woman’s throat, or the limp body leaning against the wall. Those deadly eyes turned back to the child now being chased by her friend until letting out a shrill whistle that broke through the cacophony of the day.

Inalia soon realized her friend was no longer behind her and turned in a slow circle, her happy smile freezing on her face. Within moments, she began looking around for her mother, but she was nowhere to be found. The dark eyes followed her every move and saw when panic set in. Her previously flushed cheeks lost all color and her large violet eyes filled with tears of fear. “Mama! Mama! Where are you Mama?” Her young voice cried out, catching the attention of some of the people along the docks but no one stopped and offer aid. The sad truth was that it was common to see children crying for their parents; either the parents arrived, or the child ended up living a life on the streets. Those eyes counted on this and waited for the perfect moment to spring.

After a few minutes, that must have felt like an eternity, Inalia sat against an empty house, pulled her little knees up to her chest, and cried. She realized she had been abandoned and her life would never be the same again. The busy people passed her by as a blur, until a gentle hand set upon her shoulder. Her large eyes settled upon the hardened gaze of a woman shrouded in black. The mystery woman whispered in her ear, giving her the wisdom she would carry with her for the rest of her life; “taste this poison on your tongue and swallow it down while knowing you will survive the pain of this moment. Come with me. My family will make sure you will always be cared for.” The gloved hand moved from Inalia’s shoulder and was held out in invitation. After a moment’s thought, the little girl grabbed the hand tightly and never let go.