Isabel Linley The Half-Monster
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 9:01 pm
Isabel Linley, as she appears now
Glimpses of the Past, the story is broken up
28 years ago, in Baldur's Gate
"William, where are you going?" Geoff Linley said, sitting in his large chair of red velvets and white wood.
The room was lit dimly by the fire-place, it illuminated the room, though cast more shadows on the wood walls, which were already stained dark. The Linley family house was as simple, yet exotic and filled with urns, trophies, and other goods from exotic locales.
The walls in the den had mounted heads of animals and rare beasts. Though in truth most were simply purchased rather than earned.
William turned around with a startled look, as he did not see his own father. William was a young man, approaching his thirties. He had been a successful business-man on his own, mastering the navigation of the sea, and merchantry. Though he always returned home to sleep in the same home he grew up in.
William's face lit up in a smile, now staring back at his father. His father looked much like himself, with dark blonde hair, and steel blue eyes. His pupils were piercing and ever judging. But, behind them resided a loving and caring man, and a good father.
"I plan on making my way out to the woods, Father. Kyle and myself plan on shooting some game." William said in a cheerful fashion.
Geoff let out a small breath, letting smoke pour from his nostrils. An odd thing to happen, were it not for the pipe in his mouth. He spoke sternly "William, do be careful."
William nodded, "I'm a man grown, I need not your advice father." he said as he left the room, to make his way outside.
Geoff spoke under his breath, "Fool of a boy."
That same Night, in the woods
William traveled alone, wrapped in a dark burlap cloak. The rain was heavy, and the wind was chilling him. He could smell something burning, like meat. This made William glance up to find smoke.
"Almost there." He spoke, seeing the steam come off his breath. He continued onward, trudging through the thick mud, which often was hidden under dry and dead leaves, which had yet to decompose into the ground.
Passing through the trees and wrapping himself in his cloak, he continued onwards towards the smell. He could now see the flickering of light, and became more cautious, reaching for his blade.
His steps were slow and would be loud, were it not for the heavy down-pour of rain. Closer and closer he drew, until he could see the fire, with a small leather tent beside it. He leaned against a tree and gazed around the edge of it, waiting for movement.
He saw nothing moving in sight, likely whomever it was, would be in their tent. William stood there for some time, contemplating. Though his eagerness was strong enough to prevent him from turning back.
His steps became more wide, as he drew his blade and stepped towards the tent. He glanced at the fire, his thoughts wandered for a moment before turning his head back to the tent. He reached forward with the tip of his blade, penetrating the seams of the tent, then pushing the blade to the side to open it.
He stared inside at an empty bed-roll, large enough for two, and a fresh cooked hare. He cringed at the bad omen. His family's coat of arms was a hare on a red shield, and the sight of the lifeless rodent made him uneasy.
In a sudden moment, he found himself wrapped in an embrace, so tight he couldn't move his arms. He kicked helplessly, as a low whisper was sent to his ears.
"Zhahr 'u'uhgoh'f, nire kokonho rhahhauh." He eased his back against the voice, and stood still.
William let out a strong breath as he was released, he turned around slowly, staring into an Orc woman's eyes. "Fhuroh" he said her name with strong relief. She was small, and lean, even by human standards. Though her arms were stronger than a Minotaur's.
The Orcess gestured to the tent, with an open palm. William stared at her for a short moment before taking her offer, and entering.
They shared the fur bed in comfort on that cold and weeping night.
27 Years ago in Baldur's Gate
William was laying upon his bed gazing out his window. He watched as the sun was rising against the Harbor's seas.
He inhaled the strong grind from his smoking pipe, and then slowly exhaled. He leaned more on his side, to stare out the window, down at the streets. Occasionally he'd catch a bird's eye view of the women whom were careless enough to not tighten the lace on their tunics. A simple hobby, and one he quite enjoyed.
He stared down, seeing only men carrying crates from and to the harbor. While not as satisfying, he knew coin would be coming in soon from his trades. He also spotted a woman carrying a small babe pass underneath. Her gazed away not finding anything of interest in his view. He decided to watch the smaller folk gather around the town-crier as he announced the next persons to be hanged. Although a horrid and cruel thing, William quite enjoyed watching the bodies swing from the gallows and watching the wives weep.
Today though, there were no hangings, to Williams disappointment. Overall it was a rather drawl morning. He reached to the table beside his bed and grabbed an open bottle he'd left there the night before. Yet, before he could manage to drink from the wonderful beverage he found himself intruded upon.
"WILLIAM!" called a woman's voice from the floor below him,
"What do ye want, Auntie!?" William yelled back with scowl on his face.
"Get up, and out of your bed!" He heard his relative's voice growing stronger.
He stood up and slowly approached his door to open it. Before he had the chance however, it swung open and the maids began pouring in to clean his room and unclothe him. His face was angered as his Aunt entered.
"Aunt Mathilde, what is the meaning of this non-sense?" He said in a rather bothered voice, just after one of the maids pulled the pipe from his mouth.
"I have requested lady Maira of Calimshan to dine with us this eve, and I will have you looking presentable!"
William growled at his aunt before staring down at his own naked body as the maids went to fetch his formal clothing, "This is a folly thing, I've no interest in a Calimshi-" he was cut off.
"William Linley. You are 29 years of age, and you have yet to wed, or have children! This young lady is of noble blood, and is nigh 10 years younger than you! You should show some appreciation!"
William scowled, staring at his Aunt, his eyes narrowed, "Is she gifted?"
"In what way?" His aunt asked, her own eyes narrowing, staring into his.
Held out his arms as one of the maids pulled one of his frilled shirts over arms, then lacing it up for him.
"In the chest, auntie. Does she have large breasts?" he said rather flatly, this made his auntie turn red in disgust and anger.
"Why- I- Were you raised by a pack of wolves!? Show some tact William, she will be here soon!" Mathilde said in a voice that made William feel like a small child. Though he often felt like that.
William felt uneasy as they continued to dress him, he fit each of his legs through the holes in his trousers.
"Mi'lord." one of his maid's called up to him. William glanced down at her, still frowning. "What?"
"I-I can't get your trousers on mi'lord. . . You have to suck in your stomach more. . Mi'Lord." She said in a nervous tone.
William's eyes may have been blue, but they had looked like two small fires lit from inside his skull at that moment, "GET OUT! All of you Servants!"
William then spent the next couple of minutes struggling to fit on his own trousers, alone.
Soon After the Dressing
The door creaked loudly as William opened it, to move towards the outside. He stopped in the door way as he heard a strange sound, like crying. He glanced around for a second, seeing absolutely nothing. The streets had cleared, except for a few men with crates.
Slowly William tilted his head to gaze down and went wide eyes. A small babe in fur blanket lay on his steps. She had blue eyes, and thin blonde hair, much akin to his own.
He let out a roar "Cancel the sup with the Calimshani!"
21 Years ago, in Baldur's Gate
William was staring out the window, down at the streets. A smile came to his lips as he looked down, and watched as his small daughter was helping one of the daughters of his cousin plant some flowers. His daughter was tall for her age, the same height as her relative, whom was 5 years older than her.
Isabel Linley, was his daughter's name. He had lived a happy life, now retired to live in a humble manner. Though the retirement was very much a curse, as he knew whom conceived Isabel. He saw the signs, as her teeth on her lower jaw started to grow larger than her upper canines. Her height and strength were another.
What had left him most heart broken though, was not the fact, that he knew he would be disowned for having a child with an Orc. But, it was the idea that his daughter, Isabel, would never live a normal life. She'd experience all hardships, and they'd earn her few rewards.
He leaned back in bed and closed his eyes, wanting to drift off to sleep again.
That Evening
William woke up, with Isabel curled into his side, he sat up slowly and brushed a hair out of her face. She murmured something in her sleep. He was careful to get out of bed and avoid waking her. He opened the door to leave his bedroom, and quietly closed it behind himself after he stepped out.
He walked slowly down the stairs to the Den, where he stared at the lit fire place, as he descended.
After he reached the first floor, he walked slowly to one of the two rocking chairs, that sat in front of the fire. He took a seat in it, and looked to the other chair, where his father sat. The two chairs creaked as they swayed forward and back.
William watched as smoke rose from his father's nose. His father had not aged well. Though only into his late 50's he looked as though he had been 20 years older. Thin and withered to a bone, from sickness.
A dry and tired voice came from the pale and grayed man, "Oh, William, it's you."
William smiled lightly and rested his hand on his father's, "Yes, Daddy, it's me." William responded in a quiet tone. His father nodded slowly as though not hearing William's response. "I wish your mother was here, William. To see what a good man you have become." His father said slowly, as he turned to face the fire-place.
William's smile faded away as he turned to look at the fire as well. "You think?" William said in a low tone.
His father smiled, a little humored, "William, my son. Your mother far more gentle than myself. She also was far better at finding the truth in your little white lies." Geoff stared at William for a quiet moment, before speaking again. "What will you do with the girl, William?" He asked flatly.
William looked down, his eye focusing on a stain that was on the cuff of his sleeve, his lips moved to say something but, nothing came out. He glanced up for a moment, looking at his Father, the shine from his gold ring and amulet attracting his eyes.
Geoff nodded slowly, turning his hand under William's, gripping back.
"Mathilde wants the trade business, William. You had an illegitimate child with an Or-" Geoff found himself cut off by William,
William spoke in a frustrated voice, "I will not allow her take everything I worked for. I spilled blood, sweat, and tears. This trade convoy was my investment, and it will be Isabel that receives it."
Geoff stared at William. "William, then you must act now."
15 Years ago in Baldur's Gate
Isabel had continued to strike the tree with her now blunt sword, over and over. She let out growls and angered grunts. She soon dropped the sword as her arms became to tired to carry it.
"Isabel~" Aunt Mathilde called in an cheery voice, "Come now, and eat your dinner."
Isabel stared at the small table set outside just for her. Her chest was heaving as she was out of breath. In truth the table outside was to keep Isabel out of the house, and she often only see small portions of food, as though she was still a small child.
Isabel however, was already closing in on 6 feet tall. She wanted to pick up the sword again, and chop down the tree, but she hadn't the energy to do so. So she meekly sat at the under-sized table, which was mocking in itself. She stared at her dish, it was over-cooked mutton, burn on most of the outside. The maids were kind enough to provide silver-ware for once. Often they just made her eat with her hands.
Her life had become a horrid thing, since her father left docks nearly six years ago. He set sail without even saying good bye. His Aunt claims he 'stole' all the cargo and trade ships. However, they were his to own, so the Guard's felt no reason to investigate the issue.
Isabel frequently found herself sick, and would sometimes just not be able to get up from her bed, because her body was in so much pain. The only things she had to cherish was her sword, and her Grand-father's ring and amulet, her Aunt gifted to her, when she was younger.
Isabel was hated by most, and even the maids whom were in her 'service' would often openly mock her. There was a time when Isabel wanted to grab them by their pretty white throats and rip off their heads. But, she had become to tired, and lost all desire to fight back. She occupied herself with literature from the Linley's vast library, and often looked at maps, wondering where her father would be now. Wondering if she ever saw him again, if she'd want to gut him, or beg him to take her with him.
15 Years ago, morning, Baldur's Gate
"Cousin," Amelia called out, as she opened the door to the back yard. The back yard had a small table, for tea and small parties. The area was also surrounded by a large stone wall, which surrounded the majority of the Linley House.
Isabel looked up from her book at Aunt Mathilde's daughter. "Amelia, what brings you here?" Isabel said in a gentile tone, which did not fit her large image or tusky smile. Amelia approached without much hesitation and sat next to Isabel, whom was leaning on a tree. "I'm sorry I've neglected you, my cous." Amelia said, with a smile that screamed 'forgive me'.
"Amelia, you know I hold no grudges with the likes of you." Isabel said, closing her book. Isabel felt strange as Amelia wrapped her arm inside of her own. Most younger women shared strong friendships and bonds but, Isabel had been quite unaccustomed to such niceties.
"I bring news you cous, great news!" Amelia said smiling, after laying a friendly kiss on Isabel's cheek. Amelia shuffled around, physically not being able to hold her excitement- though she did so anyway, for the suspense.
Isabel stayed silent for a moment before letting out a breath and giving in, "What is it?"
Amelia gripped her arm tighter, "Uncle William, he's in town, and he is coming here soon, to see you." Isabel pulled her arm away with a sudden angered tone of voice, "I wish not to see him. He abandoned me, and now he thinks he could simply resume being my father upon his desire?" Amelia gazed at her for a short time, trying to think of words to say.
"Isabel, you're such a silly, young, thing. . . He left for good reason." Amelia spoke softly as she rested her cheek upon Isabel's shoulder. "Now come, we need to get you dressed, and looking like a proper lady!" Amelia said cheerfully as she moved to a stand. "Come now, we haven't much time Isabella!" Amelia said, gripping her cousin's hand, and leaning backwards trying to pull her up. This would obviously never work, because of Isabel's large size but, they both found it amusing none-the-less.
15 Years ago, Evening, Baldur's Gate
Isabel's face had turned bright red, as the Maid's stripped her, and started trying to fit on gowns that were far to short, tight, or revealing. She was most embarrassed at the large amount of freckles that covered her body. Which she found humorous to have such a silly worry of something so minuet, considering her heritage. Though in many ways, she felt violated as the maids tugged and pulled on her, this way and that. She have been more comfortable if she had dressed herself, but, Amelia would not allow it.
"Lady Isabel, you have such pretty hair." the youngest of the maids said. She was a tiny thing, only aged 8 summers. But, it was a precious moment for Isabel, one she would not forget. Amelia called out to one of the other maids, "Get that one a stool to stand on, and a brush." The woman nodded and made off to follow the directive.
Not long after, Isabel found herself staring into a mirror, her cousin standing beside her. Her long hair was braided into a long tail, it reached her lower back. Her dress was a Crimson red, with green lace and cuffs, common Linley colors. The dress was made of very fine and expensive cloths, it made her look womanly, with the corset underneath. "You look a proper woman now, my cous." Amelia said, with a large smile.
"Were it my choice, I'd wear my trousers and boots." Isabel said stubbornly, despite her tone, she did feel like a woman grown. Though she was still but, a young girl, whom never fully blossomed yet. Amelia responded back with a sly tone "That is the exact reason, I had the maids dress you."