The worgen was about a foot taller than me and had huge hands with long, sharp claws. It had on leather armor around its wrists, and its bottom half was covered by finely made pants. How did these animals get protection? Its eyes were wild and red, brown/grey fur covering his body. He had black hair that not only framed his face like a lion's mane, but it ran down its spine. I jumped back quickly, dodging the overgrown teeth that stuck out of its mouth as it snapped at me, swinging its claws wildly. I rolled under its long legs, then spun around and stabbed it in the heart. It let out a howl, then keeled over.

"Wow girly, you really know how to use that thing, don't you?" Someone said near me. I almost had a heart attack myself. As I turned, I caught a glimpse of myself through one of the now evacuated villagers' doors. Other than being covered in dirt, I looked alright. I had a few small scratches on my elbows, probably from rolling under worgens, but mostly uninjured. My hair was surprisingly still in its ponytail, a few strands of hair falling out to frame my face. My green eyes stared back at me, my dark eyeliner framing them nicely as usual. I was glad that was the only makeup I ever used. My lips were dark, but they were natural. My small silver earings were loops, but they were thick, and not many people noticed them. I was afraid to even look at what I was wearing, but I finally was able to. The sleeves on my light brown shirt were ripped, but they had been for years. My blue leather vest was missing a few buttons here and there, but it remained shut. I gripped the handle of my knife tighter with my gloved hands, the color a dark blue. I convinced myself to put it back into the sheath on my hip, resting on the opposite side as my small axe. My leather pants were dark grey with a blue tint, dark brown leather tied around each leg. They matched my tall boots, which reached up to my knee, but still showed off my strong calves. I think it was safe to say I still looked good.

"Haven't seen yourself in a while, have you?" came the friendly voice again.

I turned to face her, an embarrassed smile on my face. "Sorry, Gwen. I really haven't."

She laughed at that, then walked over to me and put an arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry, I haven't either." She smiled, lighting up her eyes.

Then she sighed. "Look, Sweetheart," She started, her accent giving look an extra "oo" sound, and making sweetheart sound like "Sweethawt." All Gilneans had the accent. Well, most of us, anyway. "I could really use your help."

I glanced back at her. "Why? Is something wrong? I mean, besides these monsters?" I choked out a harsh laugh.

"You've got me there, Honey." She took a deep breath. "You know how I hate askin' for help, but... we can't let our supplies get destroyed. With Gilneas walled off from the outside world, we won't last through winter if we lose much more of our stock. Help me savage what you can."

Her eyes were pleading, and I smiled darkly. "What's the magic word, Armstead?"

Gwen ground her teeth. She hated when I called her by her last name. A crook like me, talking to the Mayor like that? It's a miracle she didn't whip out her long sword right then. She tipped her hat from her long, dark purple hair that fell over her shoulders. Her dress really showed off her hair. It was a light green color on the sleeves and torso, white above her chest, and cream the rest of the way down.

"Fine," she spat. "Please." She had to force it out, and I couldn't believe she actually said it.

I played it off cool though; "Ok, I'll help you. For a price."

She rolled her eyes. "65 copper. Good enough?"

I smiled and nodded, then we shook hands. "Pleasure doing business with you, Gwen."

So I ran around Merchant Square, which was the Northeast part of the city, killing any worgens that got in my way and getting as many supplies as possible. I decided to tell Liam that all the villagers were safe in the Military District, the Southeast part of the city. Of course, I found him in exactly the same place as before; battling worgen from his trusty steed. I finished off the last one so I could have his undivided attention.

But before I could speak, he jumped in first. "It's no use, Night. They're not letting up!" He said in frustration, looking out at his guards. Every one of them was still locked in battle, some taking on more than one, some eventually falling.

"Prince Liam, I'm so sorry. But all the citizens are safe, so that counts for something, right?" I said. I hated seeing my little brother upset. He looked at me, his eyes filled with grief.

"You're right. Please, take this. To better protect yourself." He handed me a small bundle, a wolf fur coat wrapped around 130 copper. "I realize it's not much, but it's all I have at the moment. Thanks to you, many Gilneans will live to see another day." I kneeled, then quickly hurried back to Gwen, emptying the money into my pouch and pulling the coat around my shoulders. It totally clashed with my outfit, but I didn't mind. My brother had given it to me. It was a yellow color, outlined in grey.

"Ho there, Honey." Gwen called. "Have you salvaged those supplies, Pumpkin?"

I smiled. She always had pet names for me somehow. "Yeah Gwen, right here." I dug them out of my pack and handed the armful to her. There were only 4 boxes, which wasn't great, but it would be good enough for now.

"Excellent!" Gwen exclaimed, practically jumping on her toes. "I'll make sure these get taken to a safe place. Here's that copper I promised you." She handed me the money, which I graciously accepted. Then she grabbed both my shoulders. "Night Rose. Anita." She added, in a softer voice. My smile dropped. How did she know it was me? She continued. "Be safe out there. I know you can handle yourself, but please, I'm begging you. Stay alive." My mouth was open, and I nodded. She gave me one last look, then hurried in the direction of the Military District.

"Night!" Clopping hooves made their way toward me quickly, and Liam rounded a corner. I bowed.

"Sire."

He looked at me gratefully as he continued. "It's time for you to leave, Night. Go to the Military District with the other civilians." He quickly pushed on before I could argue. "Check in with Gwen Armstead when you cross the bridge to the southeast... see if everyone's ok." Now he was pleading. "I'll stay here with the guards and cover the civilians' retreat."

"No, absolutely not!" I said forcefully. "If you're staying, then I'm staying too!"

His jaw clenched. "Go now. That is an order!" He yelled, sending me jumping back. I had never heard him raise his voice before. Maybe I shouldn't have left. I knelt, keeping my head down, then hurried away toward the Military District and my other family.