It was midday in the city of Korvosa, the sky was dark, the people crowded indoors, and Valeriya was wet. She usually didn’t mind sleeping outdoors when the stars were out or when there was plenty of trees for cover. The rain came down in sheet in what Valeriya was certain was some kind of punishment from that stupid nature god or was it a goddess? She could never remember. Whichever it was, they were soaking poor Valeriya to the bone. She tried to take cover outside of a local tavern but people kept coming outside to fight. She moved to a more deserted alleyway which was quite a feat in the overcrowded district.

 “Go to Korvosa,” that idiot bard said. “Lots of interesting things happening there.” Against her better judgment, she took his advice and now she was here in Old Korvosa. [i]It’s not even the good Korvosa! At least I have plenty of time to think of creative ways to punish him when I get out this shithole.[/i] A sudden clap of thunder shook her from her fantasy that involved diarrhetics and an angry badger. [i]At least Riddleport had a temple of Calistria I could crash in. This uncivilized backwater wouldn’t know a fun god if they smote them upside their head.[/i]

The pitter-patter of tiny steps alerted her to the return of her erstwhile companion, Viska. His fur was damp and clung to much of his body, making him look very sad. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that he was more curious than sad. He held in his mouth a single harrow card which he dropped onto Valeriya’s hand as soon as he reached it.

Valeriya’s face mirrored her familiar’s as she inspected the card. It had been enchanted to repel the rain. The image on the card depicted a scene of revelry and excitement. At first, it seemed a good omen but, upon further inspection, she could make out small figures in the background. It showed a woman sleeping and a man casting a spell upon her. Valeriya began to realize the carnival was coming from her mind as a dream, a dream manipulated by the mage at her bed. Valeriya could not figure out what this meant. She thought perhaps the back of the card may have a clue. Instead it had a handwritten message:

"I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well, I know where he dwells, but I cannot strike at him. Come to my home 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice be done."

[i]Gaedren?[/i] She thought. [i]Where I heard that…Gaedren! That son of a bitch I remember him.[/i]

[hider=flashback][i]It was clearer day when Valeriya had first heard Gaedren’s name. An eight-or-nine-year-old child had tried to pickpocket her but failed. The little thief tried to run out of the alleyway but Viska blocked her path. She turned around to face Valeriya with a look of open fear marring her youthful face.

“It’s okay, little girl. I just want to talk to you.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Just- Just let me go. I won’t bother you again. I just- I just wanna live!’ she said at a rapid pace.

“What? I’m- I’m not gonna kill you! Is that what people do in this hellhole?” The little girl nodded. “Nine Hells. I’m not gonna hurt you. I’m a friend. What’s your name?”

“Mila.”

“Okay Mila. Why are you out on the streets? Your parents around?” Mila shook her head. “Of course not. Did someone put you up to this?”

“Yes.”

“Who?”

“I-“ Mila began to cry again this time even harder. “I can’t tell you. I can’t talk to strangers or guards. I shouldn’t even be here. Just let me go!”

“Shh. It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me. Just look at this.” Valeriya pulled out her holy symbol. As a symbol of Calistria, it appeared as a circle with three daggers coming out of it. “This is the holy symbol of Calistria, the Savored Sting. She’s a powerful goddess who protects women and helps people get revenge against bad people. Take this and pray really hard; she’ll smite the bad person who makes you steal real soon.”

Hope began to creep across her face at the description of Calistria. Valeriya could tell this emotion was unfamiliar to Mila’s face. Mila took the holy symbol and began to run out of the alley past Viska. This trip was cut short as she bumped into a man who had entered an alleyway. He was tall and broad man with a scarred, ugly face. Mila began to tremble at his sight.

“Cody!” she squeaked

“What you got there, brat?” He snatched away the holy symbol and inspected this. “This ain’t valuable, stupid girl. It ain’t even gold!” He then hit her across the face and snapped the holy symbol in half.

Valeriya felt a fury she hadn’t felt in a long time. She fired a ray of black energy at Cody. He began to keel over and was clearly struggling to keep his lunch in. Valeriya ran up and scratched his face with her deadly nails. He drew his dagger and began to swipe back. Despite his sickness, he was able to cut her cheek. Valeriya roared in anger and knocked him down with her next swing. She kicked away his dagger and picked him up by his collar.

“Did you force her to steal!?”

“No.”

She looked over to Mila but she wasn’t there. Smart girl. “Then who did? If you lie, I’ll kill you.” She pushed her nails carefully against his throat. She made sure to just draw a little blood.

“I ain’t getting’ paid enough to stay quiet. It’s Gaedren Lamm. He runs a gang of brats; pays me sometimes to keep ‘em in line.”
“You disgust me.” She threw him against the wall and knocked him out. He lived but just barely.[/i][/hider]

[i]I don’t know who you are Harrow lady but I’m going to Lancet Street and you better have some good information.[/i]