Aspienne was a quiet barony. Jein loved it even if everyone treated her like a devil child. Her mismatched eyes and multicolored hair often scared away the commoners, and even many of the nobles were terrified of her. But she had two friends and that was all she needed: Widow Jeffery and Ryoht, the local ranger. Ryoht taught her how to hunt and track animals, which she used to help keep the Tired Bear, Jeffery's Inn, going strong. Fresh meat was always welcome, and Jein needed the practice in the off chance that someone might try to attack her. She slipped silently through the forest looking for her prey. Suddenly, "Not bad Jein. But you missed the trail that would have told you that a buck went to the left about four meters back."
She chortled, "I saw it, but it wasn't my prey so I left it alone. My prey is exactly where I want it. And my is it ever a good catch."
She pulled a well hidden vine on her left, and heard a yelp from behind her. She whipped around and saw her mentor dangling from a tree by the legs. Ryoht's brown hair was dangling downward as his matching eyes stared at her in shock. She walked up to him with a large smile on her face, "Well, well, I never thought that I'd get such a prime catch! Very few have ever had the chance to brag that they caught a Ranger!"
He tried to get a hold on his saxe knife, but she beat him to the punch. Or more specifically, the shot. She raised her bow and severed the rope with a single shot, an easy shot for a hunter like her. He fell to the ground with a thump, and started laughing as he untied his ankle, "I guess that I taught you too good if you can catch me that easily. You are better than most Rangers at noticing if another one is following them."
Jein stopped smiling when she heard that, "Then why can't I be a Ranger? It's not like I have much of a life to give up. Maybe if I had natural looks and a calm demeaner and a family I would have a chance, but not like this. I am a freak no matter which country I go to. I'm half Hibernian, a fourth Araluen, and a fourth Skandian. It's not like I could be any more intimidating than I already am. Please! I'd do anything to be a Ranger! I could even just come during the day and go help at the Inn at night! I just don't want to be stuck here forever! Please!"
He thought about it, "I'd have to ask Crowly before I could start. And that could take some time. But it could work if you go home at night."
Jein hugged him, and slowly went off in the direction of the buck, Who knows how many guests Jeffery's has today? Ryoht chuckled at her quick change of thought, and walked silently home. It wouldn't be easy to persuade Crowley and Duncan.