Rain. I used to love rain. The tapping on the roof like a million impatient fingers. The sweet smell as it washed the earth. The occasional flashes of lightning, illuminating the world if only for a minute, and the corresponding thunder, rumbling like an old man's snores. It reminded me of home.

I kicked a pebble into a puddle, crouching down next to it to watch the ripples spread and fade into those created by the gentle drizzle.

"Adelie?"

I turned to face the voice. "Papa!" I jumped up and down in place, arms in the air, impatient for him to pick me up.

"What are you doing in this weather, cub? Shouldn't you be home with your mother?"

"She told me to find you"

He set me back down on the muddy road, scratching the back of his neck. "Ah… well… Oh! I have something for you" He produced a honey nut treat.

I squealed with delight, taking the sticky sweet in my hands. I took a small bite as my father's large hand landed on my head. It was warm against my wet hair.

"Go play, cub. I'll see you at home"

I nodded, skipping off to throw stones in the river.

The sun hung low in the sky, dyeing the remaining clouds bright hues of orange and pink as I rounded the corner to my house.

"You said you would have the money, Horilf" A gruff voice floated towards me. They sounded angry.

I slowed, peering cautiously around the corner. My father stood just in front of the doorway, his hand on his neck. Three orcs stood around him, two in armor, the speaker wore plain clothing. I stared at the wicked blades that adorned their hips.

"I will have the money, I just need a little more time" He flashed his winning smile.

"You said that last week!"

I ducked behind the corner, but it was too late. I had been spotted.

"Adelie! Back so soon? Come give papa a hug"

I reluctantly approached, letting my father pick me up. My fingers were still sticky from the treat. I regretted taking it.

I looked back at the debt collectors. They weren't always orcs. Sometimes they were nords. Once they were forsworn. None of them were ever paid.

"You won't always be able to hide behind a child, Horilf" The main orc grunted before turning and walking away. The other two followed in suit.

"What kind of coward would hide behind a child?" He called after them, scoffing as he turned back into the house.

"What kind of coward indeed" My mother's voice was soft, weak, raspy, but full of anger.

My father turned away as I crawled into her bed, feeling her thin arms wrap around me.

"Adelie, you're all wet"

I snuggled closer to her as I peeled off my wet tunic.

"Adelie, my love. I need to tell you something"

I closed my eyes, relishing the feeling of her whispers against my hair.

"Never rely on anyone, my love. They will only disappoint you. Live only for yourself"

I opened my eyes, watching my father's silhouette sit heavily in front of the fire.

"And Adelie?"

"Mmm"

"I'm so sorry, my love. I'm sorry I've failed you" her lips pressed against the back of my head.

"Silly mama" I whispered.

It was cold when I woke the next morning. I pressed myself against my mother.

"Adelie"

I grunted in response, curling the blankets tighter around me.

"Adelie you need to get up"

I poked my head out from under the covers squinting against the light. Why is the door open?

"Mama, we gotta get up" I whispered, reaching to press my hand against her face. My hands and feet were always cold. It usually woke her up. I stopped inches away. Why are her eyes open?

I felt hands slip under my armpits. I was pulled from bed, my eyes glued to my mother. Why are her eyes open?

I recognized the purple armor of a guard. Two of them lifted my mother out of bed. Her body was like taffy, it bent and sagged under its own weight.

"Papa where is mama going?" I could feel the panic rising in my chest. "Papa?"

He let me go as soon as I started to struggle. I skinned my knees on the floor as I fell. "Mama?" I ran after the guards. They put her on a wagon. Not even a comfortable one. She hates wagons.

"Mama!" I screamed, running after the wagon. Someone stopped me. I struggled against them too but they didn't let go. I could only watch as she disappeared down the path.

I was five years old.

The years went on. We stayed in that same house, my father and I. He continued to leave every night to drink and gamble, come home in the morning, and sleep until the following night. I did everything I could to keep the place liveable, cleaning, cooking, doing odd jobs around town to make spare coin. The debt collectors kept coming, and they kept leaving without their money. My father was nothing if not persuasive.

Then one night he left. The next morning, he simply didn't come back.

Then the jarl's men came. I left before they could come and take me to the orphanage. I was on my own then. No food, no family, no money.

And now, the rain is nothing but wet. And home doesn't exist.