Noonvale is being invaded by a horde of vermin (rats, weasels, stoats, and the like)! The leader is a wicked fox by the name of Vaseer. He was chosen as leader not just because of his fighting skills, but because of his fur color. He has fur of a pitch black color. His eyes have a kind of golden tint that can pierce through the soul and turn us to nothing but scared little creatures. He is a fox to be feared.. We Noonvalers (save myself) have very little fighting experience. Those of Noonvale are essentially doomed.
Not if I have anything to say about it! I smirk while thinking of the looks that the vermin will wear when I finish with them. My name is Taisley. I have golden-brown fur and blue eyes. I am a warrior. I have a twin brother named Juniper. He also has golden-brown fur. His eyes are green. Juniper is being trained as a healer by our uncle Brome. He is the best healer of Noonvale.
I have always been the only warrior of Noonvale. If there is one thing that I know, it's that one warrior isn't enough. I need to leave and find help. I'm going to speak to Juniper right now. I need to plan things with the help of my twin. I need his advice. After all, my brother is pretty wise for his age. Wiser than me, despite the fact that we're twins.
When I find Juniper, he is setting herbs out on the table. I assume that it's because of the coming battles. "Juniper," I call to him.
He turns to me. "What is it?" Juniper asks.
"Well, you know that the vermin are coming. Fact is, they're right on our doorstep. I am the only warrior here. One warrior isn't enough. I want to leave to find someone, anyone, to help," I explain.
Juniper's eyes reveal a glint in them that I recognize as understanding. "I kind of knew that you'd come tell me that. Listen, I want to come with you." I am about to argue when Juniper continues. "If you get hurt, you'll need a healer."
I sigh in defeat. I am grateful for Juniper's help, though, despite the fact that I'd rather he stay safe. "Alright, Juniper. Now, I'll go talk to mom. I'm sure she'll agree. The counsel may not, but they'll come around." I reply. I buckle my sword to my left waist. I head off to consult mom. I'm hopeful that she'll agree with me.
I enter the counsel hall. My mother, the matriarch of Noonvale, is sitting in the front of the room. The counsel, led by my Uncle Brome, is surrounding her. The other members are the ones from the Rambling Rosehip Players as well as a couple of the former slaves of Marshank.
I walk over to mom. "Mom, Noonvale is suffering. I want to do something to help. I'm the only warrior here, but one warrior isn't enough. I need to find help. Juniper agreed to come with me. That is our only hope. We need to know where to go. Please," I request, hope shining in my eyes.
My mother answers after a moment of thought. "Head south. Find your father. He left when he thought that I was dead. Let him know that I am alive. Persuade him to come. Here, take this. I knew you'd be leaving, so I wrote him a letter and packed both of your provisions. Now, go. Time is short." My mother smiles at me. I nod my head. I take the letter and pack it safely amongst the provisions. Juniper and I start heading on our journey south.