TA 2920

I stabbed the warg through the eye. Smelling its foul breath while listening to the yelp of pain it screamed out before it died. Ripping out my sword, the corpse fell to my feet. Breathing deeply, I scanned the forest clearing for any more ugly mutts to challenge me. None were left.

Turning, I met the young girl's eyes.

She was such a tiny thing. Around twelve it seemed. Her black dress was torn and blood-stained. In her hand, she held a knife that was too small for wargs. Her long dark brown hair was matted but it framed those fierce silver eyes that glared at me.

I sheathed my sword, I would have to clean it later.

"Are you alright girl?"

The girl glanced off to the side as if looking for a way to escape.

"Y-yes." she finally stuttered, looking over at the dead wargs.

"What's your name?" My voice came out much harsher than I intended.

The girl looked at me suspiciously. Eyeing me carefully. My clothes, my red hair, and my eyes.

"Gilraen."

"What are you doing out here?"

"Why do you care?"

I started at that. Feisty little girl, this one.

"Because you're in my territory."

"You're territory? Since when do you own these lands?"

"Since I moved here."

The girl shut up then. She tucked her knife back into the belt around her waist before tucking a lock of dark hair behind her ear. A cut was engraved on her cheek with blood trickling down from the open flesh.

I reached into my pocket to pull out my handkerchief. Stepping forward, I extended it out to hand it to her. The girl stepped back, her eyes wide and wild like some beast being cornered. I slowed my approach, only taking one more step.

"For that cut on your face, girl."

The girl snatched it quickly out of my hand. I watched her with a cold gaze as she pressed the cloth to her cheek.

We glared at each other for a long moment, until I broke the silence.

"Where are your parents' girl?"

"My name is Gilraen!" she declared, "and they are not here..."

"Then why are you out here?"

"That's none of your concern."

"It is if you're out here! On your own, in my territory."

Gilraen just scoffed and rolled her eyes before walking towards me. She tossed the handkerchief back at me as she passed by. I watched her walk off into the trees towards the direction I came from. Up close she looked worse than I imagined. Half-starved, tired, and above all, alone.

"Now where are you going?" I called after her.

"To the mountains." she snapped back, not turning to look back.

"What do you want that's up there?"

"To be alone."

She tripped and fell down on her hands and knees. I crossed my arms as she gathered herself back up.

"Well, I live up in those mountains. I'm sorry to inform you that there's not much up there except mist and death."

"Good."

I shook my head. This girl didn't know anything it seemed.

Teenagers.

I hope Shyra won't get this difficult.

"Girl!" I called after her. She turned to look at me.

"Are you hungry?"