Leara Mistgather
| Bartender | Spellblade | Mercenary | Wife |
Early life
If you were to ask Lee about her early years at home, she would probably tell you that she doesen't remember much. While true, it doesen't mean it isn't there.
Born in a fishing village on an island far to the east, lost to the ocean, to a family she thought to be nothing more than common folk, she was raised as a worker, tending to the needs of both her family and village.
Despite being raised as a perfect little worker, living near the ocean breeds thoughts of freedom, and the ability to live your own life. Leara started saving her money, and once she felt she was old enough and had saved enough, she began to secretly pack her bags, gather her things, and headed down to the docks without her parents knowledge. Along side her things she had stolen a book of magicks her family kept, though she was always told it wasn't for her, curiosity on what could be so dangerous came over her, as well as the thought of a long trip.
As Leara arrived at the docks, she bought a small boat for herself, said her goodbyes to those she cared for, and quickly made sail to, anywhere, but home.
Life in new lands
Now, obviously, you would imagine it would be hard for a runaway to figure out how to live a life on their own. She might have been raised on hard work, it was nothing more than jobs her parents selected, and none of it trained her for how the world would actually treat her.
Leara continued her time on the open waters for a long while, nibbling away at what food she had brought with her, and using what knowledge she had in fishing to keep herself steady. It took a good week before she spotted land, approaching the city of Kugane. Once Leara docked and stepped onto dry land once again, she did everything in her power to contain her joy. She was free, free from her parents, from her home, from her responsibilities. She, was her own woman now. As she began to walk the streets of this strange new city, she made an effort to find more supplies to stock up, knowing if she made such a short journey, then anyone that might come after her wasn't far behind. She only made three stops; The market, the Inn, and the shipyard. Of course, she needed fresh water, and a food supply other than fish, along with a real bed for the night. The shipyard was nothing more than to indulge in her own desires at the time. As dawn broke on her second day in the city, she was quick to pack up, thanking those who treated her well, and once again set off, this time she was headed west, hearing of a beautiful city that sat above the water.
Of course during her stay she never noticed the strange looks everybody gave her, or the hiked up prices she agreed to. Hell, once she left she hardly had any money to speak of. But from her point of view, it was just the city, and people being different from where she came from. At the very least, the dock workers were kind enough to give her some direction, to Limsa Lominsa. Her future home.
Another long journey, and many stops later, Leara made it. Over the horizon she saw it; Limsa Lominsa. The white stone glowing in sunlight, the ships making their way around the dock, the boats ferrying people to the nearby mainland. To her, it was everything she could have dreamed of. As she docked, and made her way into the city, she took a long breath of the air, tilting her ears to listen to the people around her, and the sound of the ocean. She knew this was the place. Grabbing her things and beginning to make her way deeper in, she spoke with some members of the fishermens guild, getting directions to the 'Drowning Wench', weaving through population before finally arriving, getting a room with the last of her gil, and plopping her weary body down on the bed. Freedom, she thought. True, real, freedom. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep, her body worn down from the travel, taking the chance to finally regain the strength it had lost over the time she had spent at sea.By next morning she had managed to completely mess up the bed, her bags lazily dropped on the floor, and she wasn't even sure if she locked the door. But she knew one thing for sure; she was in need of money, and was sure hungry. Starting the day with what she had left over of her supplies, she made a quick breakfast before heading out in search for work. First stop; the fishing guild. Whilst unsuccessful at getting anybody to hire her, and granted, she had only just arrived looking worse for wear, they had suggested the smithing guild, which also resulted in the same failure. After just about a day of asking around for work, having the night sky slowly take the city back from the sun, she let out a heavy sigh, finding a spot within Hawker's Alley to take a seat, and ask passers by for a stray coin or two before turning in for the night, hardly making enough to pay for the room again. Tomorrow, she thought. Tomorrow would be better.The sun rose once more apon the white stones of the city, waking her from her sleep, and signaling the beginning of her day. Out she went, asking for jobs again, being turned down at near every avenue that resulting in work she knew, which was mostly fishing. Leara, after all, was a scrawny Veria, what help would she be to pull in fish. She found herself watching over the city from below the Drowning Wench, planning her next moves, before a man found themselves beside her. A quiet greeting was exchanged before she was offered a job, though no details were provided, that didn't matter to her. Payment upfront, and work to be had, that was all she needed. Heading back to Hawkers Alley, and being handed the Gil as well as a bag, the true details of what she was supposed to do came out. The man pointed out a stall, one selling simple farm goods, and instructed her to take as much food as she could reasonably hold, and meet him within the lower decks. Leara started to object, before the thought of losing her room slipped into her mind. She quietly nodded, beginning to walk towards the stall, her body tense, nerves showing. It wasn't long until she figure out a time to take a few items, as the person manning the stall had a pattern of surveying the Alley, she moved quietly into his blindspot and snuck a bundle of wheat, and a few apples into her bag, before turning around and nervously walking away, making her way to the lower decks.
See, Leara has never been a strongest woman. Even in the present, it can be argued she hasn't grown stronger physically. From the standards of everybody else, a Lalafell might have been more useful than her, especially being a stranger. Though now she had learned ways to overcome this issue.
Leara stared off into the distance as she sat on the docks, swinging her legs. She had done it, stolen something, for the first time. Her heart pulled at her emotions, feeling terrible. She was new to this city, one that was kind enough to let her stay, and this was how she was repaying it. Her train of thought however was interrupted by the man from earlier, tapping her shoulder and leading her away. She handed over the bag, and the man gave her a sack of Gil. Extra payment for the extra food, he said. She was, confused, but accepted it none the less. She thanked him, though quietly, and hurried back to the Inn. She paid for her room once more, and made her way back to her room, sitting on the bed and opening the sack she was given. Her eyes widened, seeing more gil in that sack then she'd seen up to this point. Why? Was he testing her? Was there a real purpose to it? It didn't matter. She had money. She could live here a few days longer.Another night passed by, albeit a lot easier than the one before with money situated. Another bright and early morning, this time heading out without the goal of getting work, but exploring the city. She had already done some of that over the last two days, but she really could now without the added worry. She explored the upper decks, seeing what it had to hold, speaking with people of the Culinarians' Guild, watching the men work within the Maelstrom command, even checking out the Coral Tower, and watching the Marauders train. Before she knew it, her exploring, and talking to the people she saw, night fell. Another day, she thought, another chance to find something to do.Her routine of exploring and speaking with the people of the city kept up a few days, and before she knew it, she had run dry on gil. She was so busy enjoying herself that she hadn't even noticed. Maybe it was time to see if that man was still there, she thought to herself. The thought of stealing once, compared to the days she spent in pure bliss, could not be compared in her mind. Down to the lower decks she went, back to where she had last seen the man, who, she spotted making his way out of a door. Running to him in a hurry, she called to him, exchanged greetings, and asked him directly if he had more work. A dark smile spread its way over the mans face, telling her he did indeed have work.It didn't take long after that, that the cycle continued, enjoying herself before asking him for work. She was getting good at stealing, even being taught how to pickpocket people. The weight on her heart was lifting, slowly, as she became used to it, knowing it was wrong but couldn't stop. Before long, she was handed a letter with a very specific set of instructions. Meet at this time, at this location. It was different, a different handwriting, but it had to be more work right? Thus, she did as the letter said. Finding herself standing in front of that same door she had seen that man leave so long ago, placing a cautious hand upon the handle, and entering. Walking in, it was a surprise to see many people inside, all joking and playing games, doing various activities in their downtime. The man she knew called her over to a corner with a few men, and gave her first, offical welcome. Welcome to the Rouges guild.
It's true, her first 'job' was as a rouge. Her skills with daggers have always been there, though the early days within Limsa have been lost to the void in her memories, her body did not forget. Being a rouge is like second nature to her, and even now, her aptitude for stealing and learning the patterns of people for that purpose, is incredibly high.
Time in the guilds
From that point moving forward, Leara continued to work for the Rouges guild, training under their guidance and careful watch. The man that took her under his wing was known as 'Percy', and while it took awhile, she learned that it wasn't his real name, simply given to him after his bad habit of swiping purses and bags. Finally having somebody to work with was a breath of fresh air to her, despite the line of work. The days turn to weeks, the weeks to months. Before she knew it, she had spent nearly a year traveling with Percy across La Noscea, exploiting the deft hands of the young Viera, and the smarts of the old Miqo'te that has seen the streets for years.The anniversary of her joining was quickly approaching, and Leara was enjoying a day off by watching the water at the beach off Costa Del Sol. Soon enough she was joined by Percy, and after a quick exchange of good mornings, he handed Lee a letter with the stamp of the Rouges guild on it. She had only seen stamp once before, when given a job while Percy was dealing with another assignment. The two of them exchanged looks, hers of confusion, whilst his gave some insight on what may be held, having a look of pity. He told her, it was her choice. Up to now they had let her slip by with stealing and information gathering, but she had been performing too well, and somebody had taken notice.The sun was high in the sky as they sat there together, staring at this letter. One of them knew what it meant and couldn't help but worry what choice was going to be made, the other, scared she could lose everything if she didn't open it. Taking a knife from her hip, one she used more for general use and warding off strangers than anything, and cut open the letter. A heavy sigh was let out from Percy, as he knew neither of them could turn back now. Within the envelope sat a card, and a picture. Taking the picture out, it was a Hyur man who seemed to have a bit too much of a sweet tooth, though had no regrets showing through his smile. The card however, had information on where he would be, the day of her anniversary, and note at the bottom in no uncertain terms was simply 'Your first mark.'
Now everybody knows Rouges and murder go hand in hand. Their main tools of choice is cloak and daggers after all. But Leara had managed to avoid such work, or rather, Percy protected her from it, by taking the jobs himself. But when the guild addresses one of its members directly, they expect it to be done, by them.
The sun high in the sky continued to beat down on the pair. The Viera, re-reading the note over and over, looking at the picture at the same time. The Miqo'te waited quietly for her thoughts to settle in his young companions mind. Soon her hands lowered to her lap as she looked to Percy, who nodded slowly, confirming her unspoken question. She nodded in return, picking herself up, and began to make her way to the nearby town where they had rented rooms for their time there, to prepare both physically, and mentally.Leara remained in her room for the rest of the day, only coming out to eat that evening to keep her strength up. As night fell, she emerged from the room wrapped in dark loose fitting clothes, and she had nothing more than a sharpened knife slid into her belt within her shirt or equipment, and the letter she had been given. slipping a hood over her head as she made her way into the darkness, beginning her way down the road, she kept alert. The note had said her target would be traveling alone, planning on similarly taking a day off in Costa Del Sol, and she planned to meet him on the road rather risk luring him away in a crowded tourist spot.After what felt like hours, and many close calls with other travelers on the road, she spotted two men, both with lanterns on their hips. One was a Roe, dressed in yellow, his sword dangling from his sheath, the other was a well dressed Hyur, slicked back hair, and a decorated blade at his side. She narrowed her gaze at the hyur, taking the picture from the letter, and held it up to glance at the two side by side before returning it. This was him, the man she had been tasked to take out.. But it seems the information wasn't complete correct. She had to think, and fast if she wanted to make a move before any other travelers past by.She made a large circle around them, digging at the dirt a moment and began to cover her clothes and splashed it on her face. They couldn't just leave a lost child, could they? She pulled her hood down, took a long breath, and began to loudly run towards the two men, calling to them as she did. Their swords were drawn in an instant, the Roe pulled his lantern and held it forward, attempting to illuminate the woman calling out to them, and soon she came into full view, taking a stop and planted her hands on her legs, forcing a pant. The two men looked at eachother, confused, and the roe approached, asking what was wrong. Leara did her best to explain between breaths, saying she had been separated from her parents on the road, expressing how they had been the first ones she had seen that night. An understandably cautious look crossed the Roes face, but he sheathed his blade, looking back at the Hyur, who looked as if he was about to tear up over such a simple story. He expressed his desire to have her travel with them, to make sure they could find her safely to her parents. Begrudgingly the Roe agreed, placing a hand on Lees back, and guided her carefully to the road. The hyur began to ask all sorts of questions, as to where she was from originally, what their business was, and the like. She answered falsely in all regards but where she was from, in which the answer had sent the hyurs face in more of a spiteful one, rather than one of a helpful man watching over a child.They continued like this until they reach town, the sun beginning to shine itself over the horizon once again. Today was Learas anniversary for joining the rouges guild, and, the day she would draw her first blood. As they entered the town, the hyur passed a small sack of Gil to the Roe, requesting he get a room for the two to rest before enjoying their day. After parting ways, the Hyur began to lead Leara further into the town, claiming to know someone who could help.. Odd, he could have just left her here to find them herself. But it was no matter, they were taking back roads already, she had to pick her moment and strike. The man led her to a building, his face had visibly dropped from the 'helpful' persona her portrayed and looked of one who had just found his prized hunt. They entered a dark room, which was only illuminated by the mans lantern. Though it looked clean, her ears picked up on the sound of dripping liquid. Strange, as there seemed to be noone else inside. He brought his lantern from his hip, hanging it on a hook in the center of the room, and as the light began to reach further as it was raised, her face dropped. On the far side of the room was a male viera, could not be much older than she was from his size, with nothing but a cloth around his waist as he hung from chains on his wrists, both cut clean open, freshly too. A gasp escaped her before covering her mouth, and the man turned to face her, a devilish grin across his face as he drew his blade. He began to speak about outsiders coming to their lands, stealing, cheating, spreading chaos. He said it was his job to stop them, and she was next. All she had to do was stay quiet until his friend returned, and he would make it quick and painless. He let out a chuckle from the dread that crossed her face, expressing the pleasure he took in it. She had to think fast, before it was too late. But she couldn't just strike him, or scream, he was much stronger than her... But she was faster.
Now, if we're being honest, Limsa Lominsa is one place that you would expect outsiders to be welcomed more than not. But of course in reality, not everybody shares the same concept of cultures melding. And if it weren't for the trash out there, things may be a bit more peaceful.
Leara kept her mouth quiet as she was directed to sit beside the corpse, in the puddle that had formed under him, and the stench, that seemed to be more connected to the room than the body itself. The Hyur kept his sword between her and him, tapping his foot as he waited for his friend in yellow, yawning every now and then. They had been there for long enough, however, that his patience was quickly wavering, beginning to grumble about being on time. After another thirty minutes, he slammed his foot one last time, quietly expressing what he was going to do to the Roe when he had the chance, and turned his back to Leara to look out the door. Now was her chance, and she probably wouldn't have another.Swift like the wind, quiet as a mouse, she pushed herself up again and drew her knife from within her shirt, crouching down low before pushing off her back leg, making a mad sprint at her target, though not quiet enough. He shut the door, turning to meet her, and took a swing, though not anticipating her speed and going wide. Thunk. Her knife met its mark, straight into his side, she twisted and pulled out to the side, opening the wound further. It wouldn't take long before he would crumple, and even he knew it, and took another swing with what strength remained within his body, cutting her left arm cleanly as she went to dodge. She whimpered, and plunged the dagger upward, into the mans jaw. He stopped moving after that, blood dripping down the knife across her right arm before she pulled it out and let his body slide to the ground. She took heavy breaths as she stared at the man, her prize, laying at her feet. Her ear flicked, hearing another approaching from outside. She grabbed the Hyurs sword, jumped up and pulled the lantern from the ceiling, and put the light out, taking a position in the corner, behind where the door would open.A knock came first, followed by the voice of the Roe, calling his friend quietly. After getting no response, he opened the door, light flooding in and gave a loud gasp as he found the Hyur in the floor in his own blood. The Roe stepped into the room, still dressed in yellow, and was quickly beginning to inspect his companion. There was no way she could make it past him with the door between them.. she had to make a move. She dove from behind the door, drawing her knife once again and plunged it into the back of the Roes neck, another twist and yank, and she began to run, no looking back. She left a blood trail all the way back to her room, which she slipped through the window to enter. A long, relieved sigh left her as she slumped against the wall the moment she made it in. She dropped the weapons she had with her, and simply breathed, trying her best to calm her heart, completely forgetting her wound.
I'm working on it. Lore dumping takes awhile. Check back later.