RUBY

Chapter 1 ~ An Appointment

The day started as any other, dark and dreary. Ruby rolled over peering out the window. It wasn't much of a view with the neighboring building close enough to touch. To her it was a portal, the rippled glass twisted the otherwise smooth exterior stone, only a few feet away. More than enough room for the rain to find its way splashing against the glass and building. The drips added even more intricacy to her daydreaming thoughts. 

She could lay there all day, but with her appointment that evening her father would already be in a mood. If she didn't hurry he'd be gripping about being busy before they even reached the shop. He was already downstairs clanking and shuffling around preparing breakfast. She would be leaving early and that meant she had plenty to do already. No reason to poke her bear of a father, any further.

With a huff Ruby sat up and crawled from bed. Pulling on leather trousers she quickly gathered herself. The heavy leather protected her from the heat of the forges and knowing her thick forge coat awaited her at the shop. She preferred the Freedom and lightness of a sleeveless top. She knew her father would have something to say but she didn't care what people thought. Throwing her crimson hair in a bun she hurried down the steps to greet the day.

As she reached the kitchen her father was sitting drinking his coffee. He looked up and shook his head, "Ruby you know how people feel. The choice to mark your body is not encouraged on this planet". 

Rolling her eyes, she pulled out the other chair to join him. "Why does it matter what they think? I do not feel the same as they do."
Grabbing a slice of bread she dunked it in the coffee her father had poured for her. "They have no bearing on me, father."
"They judge you," he grumbled,
"We've been through enough. I do not need gossip or drama. I am trying to build a better life for us here. It is now our home and has always been theirs. Those tattoos are seen as a mark of mischief and trouble."
"So your only daughter is trouble now!?" she snapped back.

Her father was an honorable man and she was no slouch in proving her worth. They could think what they wanted, she worked hard to prove them wrong.  Even so Ruby instantly felt what she had said, she looked up at her father. His gaze glassing over. 

"I'm sorry father, I didn't mean it like that."
With an empty look, he stood from his seat, downed his coffee and replied. "Let's go, Ruby. I have work to do."
Grabbing his coat and another slice of bread he moved to leave and she knew it would be with or without her.