Misty Rosewood



Misty was born a nameless slave to a clan of drow in service to a reclusive vampire. Her mother was said to be a slave as well, though was killed shortly after her birth - seen as too tempting to her father, a male of the house, son to the drow commander.

She was raised by the other house slaves, avoiding death herself only to be a reminder to her father of what happens when one impregnates the slaves - a constant embarrassment to his existence.

She was hated by both the drow and the slaves alike. Both because of the other half of her lineage and was therefore treated poorly. The slaves raised her still and did not cause her harm for fear of punishment to themselves.

Her childhood was still hell though. Constantly belittled by all. Rarely fed, never allowed to leave the homestead, less the other clans see the embarrassment. During her time of sleep, she was bound with the other slaves, though they huddled together for warmth, and helped each other to survive, and she was excluded from such luxuries.

She was a smart lass, though was never given much chance to learn. Still, as she scrubbed the floors, brought the inhabitants their food, and performed other tasks, she was always watching, and always learning. When the drow's children were being trained, she observed. She absorbed the lessons given to them.

At age 10, her father made an attempt on her life. She narrowly avoided her throat being slit, and while fleeing, she was noticed by the commander. As punishment, she took her father's right hand, and despite the shame to her family, paraded him through the streets with her, before excommunicating him for failure to obey orders, sending the scandal along with him.

At the age of 12, she received her brand. A carving of the house symbol along with the other young slaves. A carving of a rose made with a thin blade and intricate petals. As soon as it would heal, the brand would be reapplied, to better show off against the slave's skin. She was now free to leave the homestead, and do the work of lesser slaves — hauling materials for the home. Doing so strengthened her body though, and while working, she was still learning. She looked to the layout of the underground system, planning, and waiting for the perfect moment to escape.

At age 14, she made her first attempt. The caverns, however, were like a maze. Not even a day later, she was dragged back to the clan and severely punished. Now while not at work, she was forced to wear a Spiked chain to restrict her movements and cause her constant pain. If she ever cried out, she was further punished with blade or lash. She learned to bear the pain quietly.

At age 16, her true chance came. Vampire hunters had discovered the clans. They came in and began wiping the drow out. Misty took her opportunity to run. She figured that though the human slaves would be free, her blood would lead to her death as well.

While running, she had to be careful. She snuck through the chaos, using her chain as a weapon to eliminate the few in her path. She remembered the children's lessons on striking vital areas and was able to make her way into the maze-like caverns.

Still, she knew not how to escape. Her hands were bound and the terrain uneven and difficult to traverse. She wandered for days until she collapsed from exhaustion. She awoke to a squeaking. Opening her eyes, she saw a field mouse directly in her face. Strangely it seemed unafraid of her. She reached out and touched the tiny animal and instantly felt a connection. The little creature sent her a feeling of worry and beckoned her to follow him. She did so, barely able to walk and was eventually led from the tunnels.

Even after the creature wouldn't leave her, he became her constant companion, and their bond solidified. She named him meek.

After her escape, she came across a forest. She struggled through the mist until a huntsman noticed her. She looked a mess from her ordeal, but the huntsman Darvin took pity on her. Perhaps it was because he'd never had children of his own, but despite her race, he took her in.

Darvin nursed her back to health. When he discovered she had no name, he gave her one. Misty, after the mist she traveled through to find him. He brought her to the village to his nephew Tarvik — a blacksmith by trade. Tarvik removed her chains and at her request, fashioned them into a weapon.

The village was wary of her though whenever she was around, but Darvin paid them no mind. He treated Misty as his own. He cared for her and taught her to hunt. She learned he had been a soldier for many years and had never settled down. Due to an injury in battle, he was unable to have children or satisfy a wife. Instead, he lived on the edge of the village in solitude.

Misty spent the next two years with him. They hunted, she continued to train with her new weapon, and all was good. Eventually, though, a few in the village who were more superstitious began to resent her. They believed her to be too closely related to vampires — her ability to "control" her companion Meek, her aversion to the sun and bright lights, and the belief that she had Darvin under some enchantment. Dirty looks were common. Threats began to become so as well.

One night she awoke to the smell of smoke. Someone had set Darvins cabin on fire in the night. She was barely able to escape with him. At that point, she knew she had to leave. She couldn't endanger his life any longer.

She told him to tell the village that she perished in flames and took her to leave that night, offering her gratitude for all he had done.

With nobody in the world and a limited selection of skills, she began her journey. She learned to keep herself mostly covered, and began offering her services to anyone willing to pay, as long as the job wasn't especially vile. She was capable and secretive, making a fine living for herself. Occasionally she'd have to flee an area because of superstitious residents, but mostly she was able to hide who she was.
Meek