Ember's Sails

A New World

To say she was confused would be a large understatement. Bright piercing sunlight attacked her eyes. Ember stumbled back many steps to find that she was standing in soft tan sand. 

Her feet were bare and she wore an old dress. The dress had a brown bodice and skirt. There were simple designs of a lighter brown upon the skirt and the bodice was laced over a white undershirt. The white sleeves were frilly on the forearms and wrists. It was a dress for a commoner though made to look decent. 

Ember found that the corset was near too tight and tried to maneuver her hands to where she could loosen the ties. However Ember has had no experience with corsets and soon found herself floundering on the sand as a fish out of water. 

Lucky no one was around. Eventually she gave up and stood, swiping the sand off her dress, and walked up the sloped beach. Her head was down while she pulled her feet up but as she got to the top she saw rows and rows of old buildings. Her eyes wide she pulled herself up and walked along the cobbled streets. 

Women in puffy dresses and men in such ridiculous outfits Ember had to cover her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter.  A young man noticed her snickering and strutted over to her. 

“You seem lost, might it be you are looking for my rooms?” 

His voice was flirtatious and had a strong posh english accent. Ember had no patience for men who thought themselves a god but she held her tongue. 

“ Actually, if you could just point in the direction of the nearest seamstresses I will be on my way.” 

Ember spoke masking her disdain for the man. She needed help and this was an opportunity she might not find again. 

“Are you in need of a nice dress to visit me in? Well, do not bother whatever you should wear would be soon…discarded”  

The young man swiped his hand upon her cheek delicately. Ember scoffed and pulled away, she had had enough of this vile pig. 

“I am no tavern girl and you would do well to remember that. Good day.” 

With those words she turned harshly away and attempted to leave the general area. She was snagged back as the man wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against him. 

“Listen here girl you are nothing but a trollop to be used for a mans pleasure!” 

His hand tightly encased her wrist while the other pinched her waist harshly. Ember who had studied broadly knew exactly what a trollop was and gasped at the insult. 

Fighting him she raised a knee and kicked him in his groin so that his hold may loosen. Once her arm was free she boldly slapped him and walked away with her head held high. Behind her the young man clutched at his middle while several passerby's watched, whispering about the whole ordeal. 

Ember had no tears to shed. This encounter she knew would only be one of many hardships in her story. She wanted action and now she has received it. 

Signs of the evening approaching soon became clear to Ember as she came down from her high of adrenaline. The sun was traveling lower down the dome of blue sky and lampposts were lit to brighten the streets.