Caleigh Lightbreeze

“You ever think you drink too much?”

Caleigh sat at the edge of her bedroll, scratching her ear. It had been a habit she’d picked up since she’d started at the tavern. The scratching. It was never intentional, always a subconscious response to a stimulus. Typically a conversation that made her uncomfortable, or a statement that was off-putting. Or thinking about someone she liked...

His voice echoed in her mind as she looked around the room, “You just seem like you could have more fun, ya know?” 

How could she explain that she had fun with him. That it wasn’t that she was unhappy, or that she didn’t want to spend more time sober… it was that she’d felt herself falling for someone she was distinctly told not...

Two screws, a bundle of twine and a pair of scissors already long forgotten...

The underside of Caleigh's bed held a number of hidden items, but all of them would likely remain in their places as the woman had made no movement to lift her head from the cool wooden ground in the hour that she had laid there. Her gaze flit over the empty space beneath the frame, the thin wafting cobwebs that needed to be removed, the lingering scent of new linens from this morning's change over.  That sinking feeling in her chest was overwhelming tonight, and it would quickly come to tears. She'd wait for them, knowing full well that she wouldn't be able to move after that.

It was a terrible feeling, knowing that when you speak your words are often...

Caleigh sat in the corner of her room, a collection of metal gears and screws littering the ground around her feet. Another clock to be made. A quiet, but frustrated expression remained on her face as she tried to shove two of the gears in place. It was rounding four in the morning, and she had forgone fishing to stop at the Troupe show earlier in the evening and attempt to be social. It was close enough, and she'd heard good things- it was worth a look. Finding Orli, Saeil, and Meli there was a bonus, regardless of whether or not she upset Meli.

She'd spent most of the show quietly gritting her teeth. There were certainly talented writers and amazingly wonderful actors- but the topic of choice hit a bit close to home for the woman. A...

On the back bar top of Tavern there was a unique shaped metal mantle clock.  Wrapped on the fishing rod was a hastily tied burlap bow, and a bi-folded note beneath the object. Upon examination, the label of the note was written in a familiar handwriting- seen around the bar as of late.

-This is a gift for Renrael, please don't take it.-

Upon opening, the following was read:

Renrael - 

I don't know if you like fishing. And if you don't I can make another one. I started this the first night I started working at the Heart. It was a personal project, but I think I would like you to have it more. I know how it feels to want to start fresh. And if you want maybe I can help. I have an extra pole if you ever want to fish sometime. Or, I...

Tluck...tlock....

Two drops of water fell from the faucet on the opposite side of her office. The room was sparse, boxes piled on the walls from storage, paperwork was strewn across her desk. It had been weeks since she'd opened the door to this place again, only to realize it wasn't what it had been before.

 It was as if the warmth had been drawn from under the doorway and escaped in her absence. The bright colors of the wall seemed muted and aged. The paperwork, where it had once felt meaningful...was empty and stale. There were no clients. She'd need to walk the community once again and start the services. Those that she had on the ledger had been crossed off. Passed away, killed, mercied... there weren't many of the original...

A hand written note was left along with the pitcher of flowers on the Raven’s front bar. The metal pitcher itself seemed well crafted, engraved with running flowers along the base that emphasized the ones above, long after they would wilt.

—————

Miss Meli,

I appreciate your kindness and cheerfulness. It has been some time since I have spoken with someone as warm-hearted as you. I will attempt to be more forthcoming in the future with our interactions.

I will admit it was the bright moment of my night and enough to warrant my purchase of these flowers. They are a gift for you.

When I was in the north, you would occasionally see a daisy creep up from beneath the snow. The deer loved to eat them, but they were also taken...