D&D Way to Sword Coast

Chapter 9: Beginnings

The four days spent at the crossing passed sooner than Alidorim expected. From dawn until dusk he worked to earn their keep. The mornings consisted of chores while the afternoons involved specific tasks. First was the wall, then patching the holes in the courtyard. The third day involved moving a fallen tree from the road. The final day saw Alidorim waist-deep in the river clearing detritus built up against the pylons.

Yulia spent the daylight hours with the other children, either at play or work. At night she instinctively huddled close to Alidorim in order to stave off whatever memories haunted her. Despite the nightmares, the time spent at the settlement were the happiest Alidorim had ever seen the child. Hearing her laugh made him wonder just who the girl could've been...given a better life.

The afternoon before Alidorim's departure the residence of the manor crowded outside to enjoy the temperate northern weather. The adults chattered while the young flittered about.

Alidorim and Julian had been speaking amicably about the Dragonborn's travels when they spotted the children. The boys telling a story while pantomiming in overly dramatic fashion. Yulia and Cloe were laughing hysterically at the performance. Julian smiled as he watched the group. "She seems to be feeling better."

"She does," Alidorim agreed. Cleaned and wearing proper clothing no one would've suspected the girl of suffering so much recent torment.

"Cloe and Rudi have really taken to her," the man commented a hint of melancholy in his voice, "There will be tears in the morning." Alidorim didn't respond. He didn't have too. It wasn't just the other children Yulia had endeared herself too. Maddy doted upon her constantly, and Sebas found her engaging once her speech had improved.

"You are good people," Alidorim said not taking his eyes off the girl. He had promised to find her a proper home. The crossing was as good as any. "Yulia deserves those in her life." Human eyes met Draconic and Olkith continued. "I am an adventurer. This life...is not for her. She needs a place to call home. That is something I cannot give her." At least here Alidorim knew Yulia would be tended to. She had friends and people who cared about her well-being. She could have a normal childhood, and Aldorim could continue on his own journey.

"She can't stay." Julian's quick response caused the Dragonborn to blink in surprise. Before he could demand an explanation the human spoke. "My family gets by on river commerce and what few travelers come through. But that's just it. We get by." He looked imploringly at the warrior, hoping he would appreciate what he was saying. "Another mouth to feed..." He shook his head, "We simply cannot allow her to stay."

Alidorim heard Julian's words, but couldn't help but sense they weren't all that weighed upon his mind. He'd seen that while the residence had been welcoming to the pair, their bias's lurked beneath the surface. It was little things, a flinch at a touch, or an averted gaze, but those details spoke volumes. "Because she is not human?" It wasn't a question he needed answered, but knew he had to hear it.

Julian had the decency to look ashamed. He was even apologetic as he said, "I will not deny her being a Tiefling...complicates things."

"That wasn't an issue the night of the storm," Alidorim growled.

"She was a child in need," he said quickly, but earnestly. Julian met his eyes and slowly shook his head with utter finality. It seemed he would not be moved on the issue. Deep down Alidorim couldn't help but feel the distant pang of betrayal.

"She's still in need," he hissed, doing his best to keep his voice low. Alidorim knew he shouldn't have expected them to take the girl off of his hands, but to deny Yulia simply because of her species... Yulia was a Tiefling; descended from daemons. Like Alidorim none would ever see past her appearance. The crossing would not accept her. There may be others who would. Perhaps some of her own kind, but for now Alidorim was still her Guardian.