Secrets.<br/><br/>They were best kept among the dead; most useful among the living. Every family had them. They were stuffed into stories that were passed down generation from generation; some more dark than others, few as truthful as they actually seemed. Secrets fueled the fires of rivalries, instigated wars and forbidden romantic affairs, destroyed friendships, and sparked a desire for adventure. Secrets were more well rounded than the majority of people that Talilah had ever met. They were more entertaining, more intriguing, and definitely more exciting than the history lessons that she had to suffer through.<br/><br/>She could not, for the life of her, figure out why her father had kept these secrets from her for as long as he had. Her mother was not invisible, nor did her existence disappear the day that she had died. How could someone, with such extraordinary abilities, became nothing but a whispered name followed by a shake of the head? Several questions swirled through Lilah's mind, her fingers flipped from one worn page to the next. She had only had this singular chance to lay hands upon this book, and she had taken advantage of the opportunity the minute her father exited the keep.<br/><br/><b>"Princess! Princess, where are you?"</b><br/><br/>Lilah groaned and flipped through two more pages before she reluctantly closed the book. She tucked it away safely inside of a satchel with a strap that rested across her chest, well out of sight from whomever it was that came to harass her for more "noble duties". She was tired of the same old shenanigans. She was tired of following orders and doing everything that she was "supposed" to do. Couldn't she just take one day to read through her mother's journal and figure out who exactly she was? With a heavy sigh, Lilah reluctantly slid out from her hiding spot and opened the door to the hallway. If life didn't get a little bit interesting soon, she was going to run away and find an adventure herself.<br/><br/>Ironically, it didn't take long for the young princess to reach her breaking point. By the firelight in her chambers that night, Lilah read through pages and pages of hand written prose, a gift from her mother that hadn't ever been intended for Lilah's eyes. The information she discovered was enough to set her plans into motion, and days later, on the back of her noble and hearty steed, she, along with a one man escort, departed Iredale Keep and directed themselves toward a kind, neighboring community for a political visit.<br/><br/>At least, that's what Lilah had arranged with her father before he left. Instead, she strong armed her companion, an older gentleman named Errol, and decided to take a different route - a route to a place that she'd only read about in her mother's journal.<br/><br/>It took them a few days to cross over into the icy lands of the kingdom she didn't even know the name of. White precipitation littered the ground and her horse was unsure of it. She walked into the border town dismounted, her horse's reigns firmly in her hands with Errol doing the same with his mount next to her. The old man was terrible company, barely said three words the entire time, and at this point in her journey, Lilah was desperate for real conversation. That was why, after looking around at the people walking to and from places, she decided to open up the door to the first shop she could find.<br/><br/>The writing on the signs that hang outside was not familiar to her, but Errol rolled his eyes and grunted something about the door she held onto being one that belonged to the inn. It was a good place to start, perhaps they could get a room a piece for the evening and set about finding something warm to eat. Her clothing was not appropriate for the terrain, and Lilah wanted to explore some before it got even more cold after sunset. When they finally did make their way inside, Lilah nudged Errol forward and let him handle the accommodations that they needed. It was obvious that he knew a little bit more about this place than she'd originally expected or thought. He was good at keeping secrets. Maybe that was why her father liked him so much.<br/><br/>While her companion talked to a man behind the counter, Lilah looked around the inn and watched a few people from her advantageous point. She noted how they smiled and laughed and carried on even though it was just starting to get a little dark outside. Maybe her shopping adventure would have to wait until the morning. She was lost in thought as her sleeve was tugged. Thinking it was Errol, she swatted him away and continued with her observing, only to be bothered again once more. Irritated, she tore her gaze away from the common area to look at Errol.<br/><br/>Except Errol wasn't there.<br/><br/>A man with a toothless grin smiled wickedly at her, his long, ratty beard making Lilah cringe. It was his breath that she'd never forget the smell of and the way his fingers grasped around her arm that she'd never want to feel again.<b>"Who are you?"</b>She cried, trying to jerk her arm out of his hand. He held onto her strongly though, and she could not escape.<b>"Errol! Where are you? Errol! Help!"</b>There were eyes that turned to look at her, but most everyone ignored the scenario at hand. Their faces remained turned toward the floor and Lilah wondered just what kind of trouble they'd gotten themselves into. Did bandits run this town? Were they rule-less heathens here? If she didn't have Errol to help her, then who would? Could she overpower this man all by herself?<br/><br/>Her eyes were wide, but she didn't let her gaze slip. Instead, she attempted to raise her hand and stated firmly,<b>"Sir, if I were you, I would release me this instant or else!"</b><br/><br/>He didn't seem to like that though, and laughed at her before giving Lilah a tug toward the door roughly.<br/><br/><b>"Help! Someone! Errol!"</b>Lilah thrashed about, hoping that someone, anyone in this foreign place, would step up to assist a damsel in distress.<br/><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="51" data-username="@MercPhish" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/51/">@MercPhish</a>