Ophelia was wearing the only outfit she had to go out. A simple white dress, flowing down to her ankles, decorated with some lace around the decolletage and short puffy sleeves. It was a corset dress of course. It only made things worse as the last thing you would need in the heat of August is a tight corset that won't let you breathe. As for shoes she was wearing simple brown shoes. The only accessory she carried was a long silver necklace, a ring pending from it - her mother’s, passed down to her as the eldest daughter. A worn brown backpack hung at her shoulders, holding the herbs she had bought and what little money she had.

Even in such modest clothing, she tried her best. A touch of pink blush and red-tinted lips brightened her face, while her favorite rose-scented oil cheered her up. The perfume and cosmetics were handmade by the temple girls to raise donations, and Ophelia had saved the leftovers for herself. Her long, wavy brown hair went down to her waist. She was proud of it today, for once. Usually, it was so unruly she had to pin it up. She might not own jewels or fine gowns, but with what she had, she did her best.

“There are not many activities I can do with no money” she thought to herself while looking around

Suddently in the distance, she heard some instruments...

She fastened her steps, music and dancing is not allowed in a place as rigid as the temple. If there is some sort of festivity taking place, she wanted to participate.

Before she could find the source of the music.. Somebody cuts her on the way. More specifically three people. They sure looked like trouble. They swooped in, grabbed her by the arms and put a knife to her throat.

“You have quite the familiar face but I can't put my finger on it… Still with that face you should be able to catch a hefty price.” said the first guy who had a huge scar on his throat.

“Didn't you know it's dangerous to go out alone when there are so many bad guys out and about?" said the other two ironically, “But don't worry, we will make sure to treat you well.. Until you get sold that is!”

They burst out laughing.

“What the...?” “ What are these people even saying..” Ophelia thought to herself. 

“You will be worth some pretty coinslittle girl. Thanks to our lucky stars! We will eat good this month thanks to you” shouted the scar guy.

“ I’m not the one you are looking for, please let me go” Ophelia pleaded.

“Useless, Coin put her in the back of our carriage immediately. We will go inform our master of the good news”

The Scar guy rushed with the other one in the opposite direction whilst frantically searching.

Surely, as per the orders indicated,  Coin dragged Ophelia to a dark alley where a carriage full of wooden boxes was standing.

A large thump was heard

Coin fell to the floor, his head bleeding.

“And now what..”  she said, expecting an even worse turn of events. 

She turned around to see another guy with a wooden plank in his hands. 

“Am I next?” words that blurted out unwillingly.

“Of course not, I saw how those guys dragged you here. I can’t believe they were as dumb as to send only one of them on guard” he proudly said “ Though we should hurry to get out of here. The other two should be arriving”

“Thanks for the help, but I will go alone. How can I know you are not with them?”

“Look Darling, we don’t have time for this. I guess you just have to find out.” he grabbed her by the waist and threw her on his shoulder.

He then rushed towards the biggest crowd he saw.

“What did I get myself into..” she said letting out a long sigh… “And also, who are you criminal guy?”

The young man shot her a grin, his eyes gleaming; “I'm not a criminal, I'm Khiel”