Cervato - Girl On Fire (Part 1 of Cervato's Saga)

Ten Years Ago

The Caballero winery was hosting one of the loveliest galas ever seen in Eastern Kessex. Patrons had been invited from all over Kryta, Lion's Arch, even Ebonhawke to attend the annual wine tasting event. Lanterns decorating the lawn reflected upon the dance floor where people enjoyed one another's company. Everyone was dressed in their finery, as if it was the Midsummer's Ball, each holding a stemmed wine glass filled with this year's selection.

"Is that the rumored Pirate Queen, Ryobo?" A middle aged man asked his friend as large group of people followed in the wake of the Canthan descendant of world reknown. Laughter and tomfoolery expressed by members of her crew and clan joined the celebratory gathering.

"And family it appears." Noting at least a pair of golden-eyed sons presumably in their twenties behind their mother, the eldest whispering excitedly into the younger's ear followed by a laugh while younger sibling rolled their eyes. One look from Ryobo immediately resulted in both to cease their talking before she returned to properly greeting the gala's hosts.

Alcides and Fabiana Caballero, the owners of the Winery appeared pleased, offering their hands and kind words to Ryobo before extending the same to her children. Cervato's father was actually smiling, an expression that was sorely missed as the past Season had been filled with arguments between the father and daughter. Her mother was exquisite, as always, ensuring every guest was comfortably served and well taken care of. And to the right of her parents, was the source of Cervato's current anxiety. The young man was sharing a rather intimate conversation with his father, appearing just a touch nervous in his mannerisms. They'd only formally met three weeks ago. He was polite. Formal. Enjoyed reading about the concept of magic theory. They probably would have become friends.

Were it not for the fact that this was her betrothed.

The arranged marriage her parents had promised to her nearly a year ago that she had opposed since the beginning was about to set into motion officially on this very night. Cervato would take the main stage and politely accept his public proposal. The union between a well off Merchant's daughter and the second son from well-bred nobility would be prosperous for both of their families in the current economy.

The head maid knocked three distinct times upon the door to Cervato's room. It was time. The beautiful azure chiffon dress suited her perfectly. Golden ornaments to complement her onyx curls would make her appear stunning. Surely, the maid who opened the door to her room would be quite surprised to see everything still laid across her bed. Untouched. Ignored. And the woman herself, missing.

Instead, Cervato rose up from her position behind the trimmed hedge. A simple white tunic tucked into fitted suede leggings graced her thin frame while her long hair had been pulled high and tight into a tail. Pure determination filled her gaze. A sword of surefire steel, that her father had given her so many years ago, at her left hip.

Standing out among the various guests, she weaved between beautiful silk skirts and tweed suits, until her sienna gaze met her father's dark foreboding and persecuting stare. Already, she could detect the rage building within him. Quickly, her eyes sought her soon to be betrothed, eventually locating the gentleman. And she prayed to Balthazar to give her strength.

Gasps and laughter erupted from the crowd as guests hurried to get out of Cervato's path. The clatter of her sword's sheath bouncing off the wooden dance floor was nearly deafening to her after she tossed it aside. Even the music disappeared as all were transfixed upon the Caballero's only daughter, sword in hand.