Temple sat on the back of Archer, her black Marwari Horse. Waiting for the sun to rise, when she would ride in to city of Tilk and would she what she could find that day. Temple lived alone, in a small shack in the middle of the Tilk Forest. Most of the people living in Tilk where Resvelds’, Meladrins’ like Temple were very few in numbers.
Archer shifted his weight and whinnied. Temple patted the side of his neck calmingly. A soft orange glow started forming in the sky, signaling that the sun was about to be seen across the sky. Temple clicked her tongue, and Archer started trotting out of the tree line and towards the small dirt road. Tilk could be seen in the distance, the tall towers creating shadows across the rest of the city. Temple dropped the reins for a moment and pulled her white-blonde hair back out of her face. She picked up the reins and lightly squeezed Archer’s sides with her knees, sending him galloping across the dirt path, dust flying up behind him.
The landscape was mostly barren, except for the occasional bush or tree. A few small ponds were scattered around, but mostly it was flat grass land. Temple slowed Archer down to a canter, and turned right at a split in the road, instead of going in the main entrance she came in through the back. It caused less attention to be brought upon her.
They started passing the small farms on the outskirts of the city. Temple slowed Archer even more until he was trotting, the back gate coming up. At this point the horse knew what he was supposed to do, he had taken this same path for almost two years with Temple. He slowed himself to a walk and turned slightly to the left towards the hitching posts. The loud commotions started to feel Temple’s ears. Archer stopped at the post, and Temple slid out of the saddle and tied him to the bar. She patted his neck before walking into the gate.
The white stone road was a dust yellow after the recent storm. Resvelds stood around, conversing with their wealthy neighbors. Temple pulled the hood of her white trench coat over her head to cover her pointed ears. She turned behind the first row of stalls and followed the small trail until she reached Crint, a small book store. Every day she came here and stayed for hours. Temple slowly opened the door and made sure no one was watching her. Those kinds of things paranoid her.
Inside the walls were made of old wood, matching the floors. There were very few candles that lined the walls, giving it a nice warm feeling. Crescent stood near the front of the store, putting a few books on the shelves.
“What have you planned for today?” Temple asked, making her way towards the front.
Cresent turned around and smiled, her blue eyes shimmered in the low light. “I just wanted to speak with you, about Elantris.” She set down the books she had been stacking. “I think it could be good for you.”
Temple shook her head, “Elantris? Why would I want to go there?” She snorted.
“Child, there is nothing for you here. Take your few belongings and Archer then go to Elantris. There’s a group of Resvelds going in a couple days.” Crescent sighed, “One of the other Meladrin are going as well, you can travel with her.”
“Why would I leave, I have it perfectly fine here.” She thought of where she had lived for so long, alone. “And there is here. This is my home.” Temple pulled her hood down, and let her hair fall over her shoulders.
Crescent shook her head at Temple, “There is nothing for you here, you are disrespected each and every day. And your ears are the cause of most of it.” She touched one of the book, “It will be a new start.” Temple looked up at her, “So what will it be, my child?” Crescent asked her, hopefulness in her voice.
Temple looked at her feet for a moment. Thinking about whether it was worth it or not. “If I go, I expect that I will see you there sometime soon.” Temple nodded her head, “I will leave in two days.” She said before walking out the back door.
EDIT EVERYTHING/TRASH THE THIRD ONE/ REWRITE MOST OF OTHERS