Alyssa took a deep breath and held her mug close to her lips. The steam billowed up and helped to warm her chilled nose. She felt the warmth of the rum on her cheeks, flushing them a rosy hue. Her eyes drifted over the smiling faces, laughter, and cheer. Until, she witnessed some familiar figures from her past. One royal Emperor, betraying his usual purple ensemble in favor of a peppermint red. Another adorable red head doing her best to blend into the festivities, wool sweater and all. A mischievous rogue, lightly weaving through the holiday chaos to curiously plant an acorn atop a noble elf's head.
Alyssa perked up, bell ringing atop her hair, at the sight of her former comrade in arms. Eyes wide, she pushed herself from the comfort of her leather throne and scampered to Illara's lovely seclusion in the corner. On her way, she caught the shoulder of Vincent Cain, toppling a portion of her drink to the floor.
"Vince!" Alyssa shouted as though it were his fault. "Watch where you're going!"
She shot him a dirty look and narrowed her eyes. He made a retort, but she pursed her lips, shook her head, and continued onward with mess behind.
"Dog!" Alyssa shouted, oblivious to the way that might look and sound to others. "What're you doing in Bienost?! It's been, what, four - five months?!"
Weaving and dodging to the half elf's private reprieve from the celebration, Alyssa brought it to her. In the poorly lit, but equally fragrant corner of the tavern, Alyssa helped herself to a seat beside the girl.
"Hey, so... Who's that guy?" Alyssa whispered, her finger inconspicuously extended toward the dark haired elf. "And what's with the acorn? That an elf thing?"
Alyssa quirked a brow.
To Illara, a different girl sat beside her than the insecure wretch who fought with her against the abominations in Lindequalme. No longer would Alyssa fear herself, her reason for living. She was her own person now, an individual. Her personality no longer hid underneath a label. Afterall... It’s not what you’re made of that matters. It’s what you make of yourself. Though she did not heed those words immediately, they were now a part of her. Words from a misunderstood to a lost and confused, but equally wise and true.