This is an Idea that's been rolling around in my head for a while (Like almost 5 years) and I finally decided to flesh it out and type it up. This is just a scene I whipped up today while taking a break from outlining some ideas. Hope you enjoy!

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The seven year old yelped as an older boy pushed her, knocking her to the ground in the middle of a small clearing that was completely surrounded by trees.

"Shut your mouth brat, before I do it for you!" The older boy angrily growled.

"Aww did I hurt your wittle feelings? Can't handle when someone smaller than you fights back? How cowardly!" She hissed back in a mocking tone as she got back to her feet. She knew she really should just shut up and leave it be, she was no match for the bigger kid and she knew it.

"What'd you just call me?!" The 13 year old growled, attempting to punch the younger girl.

She nimbly dodged the wayward fist as she spat back a response "You heard me or are you deaf and a coward?" The older boy threw another punch and the girl went to dodge it, but this time the older boy was expecting it and managed to trip her.

She knew she was in trouble the moment she hit the ground, she didn't have long to reflect on this fact though, as a brutal kick to her side knocked the wind out of her. The girl continued to mouth off even as the barrage of vicious kicks continued. Finally, the older boy backed off a bit panting.

"Maybe that'll teach you to watch your mouth and respect your better." He cackled with a gloating smirk. The girl winced slightly as she carefully pushed herself back to her feet, holding her side gingerly and spit out a bit of blood.

"I do respect my betters, you're just not one of them." She hissed and watched the elder boy's face twist into an ugly sneer before continuing, "You're just a pathetic coward who knows the only way you could win a fight is by targeting a younger kid half your size!" She spat, mentally preparing herself for another, probably worse, beating.

"I've had just about enough of you!" he hissed, his sneer turned into a cruel smirk as he reached into his vest and pulled out a small dagger. Her eyes widened a fraction in fear but she refused to show it. She started advancing toward her, "What? Nothing to say now?' He taunted and she silently took a step back. She opened her mouth to respond but someone beat her to it.

"That's enough Ragnar, put that toy away." A voice ordered from somewhere behind the girl off to the right. The boy, Ragnar, halted his steps and frowned, looking past her, presumably at the owner of the voice.

"She repeatedly insulted me, I can't just let her get away with that!" He argued but lowered his dagger nonetheless, much to the girl's relief, she didn't let it show, however, opting instead to glance over her shoulder to find out who the voice belonged to. She was surprised to find the speaker was a boy slightly younger than her attacker, she was even more surprised when Ragnar obeyed. He was rather unremarkable appearance-wise, with short brown hair, brown eyes, and a rather thin build. Her eyes darted back to her former attacker when he spoke again.

"I think you've done quite enough, besides, I didn't hear her say a single thing that was untrue." The newcomer responded with a hard edge in his tone, clearly not appreciating the other boy arguing with him. The girl gave Ragnar a smug look as he balled his fists in anger but bit his tongue.

"Fine." He hissed and turned to walk off. "Watch your back bitch" He growled quietly as he left. She allowed herself a small sigh of relief before slowly turning to face the newcomer. She didn't know why he'd stepped in to help her or why Ragnar listened to him but she'd thought she'd seen a hint of fear, now was no time to relax. He in turn shifted his gaze over to look at her. After a few moments of silence, the girl spoke up.

"Thank you, for intervening when you did.." She said somewhat hesitantly. The boy tilted his head a bit while he observed her as if he were pondering something.

"Do you know who I am?" He didn't sound angry or arrogant as he asked, just curious. She tilted her head a bit and looked him over more closely before shaking her head in the negative.

"No, I don't think so… Should I? Have we met before or something?" She asked trying to think back to all the people she'd met in her rather short life

"No no nothing like that." He responded dismissively, "You acted as if you weren't afraid of him yet you didn't fight back at all, why is that?" He asked, changing the subject seemingly curious.

"I… don't know how to fight... My daddy never taught me, he's always too busy to…" She replied after a few moments of hesitation. Her response seemed to surprise the boy.

"You have the guts to talk to someone who's clearly violent without even knowing how to defend yourself? I'm both impressed and appalled, What would you have done if I hadn't been here?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I would have run and hoped for the best." She said with a shrug, she knew it wasn't the best strategy but it was really the only option she had when things got that bad. The boy let out a laugh at her answer.

"Can't say I've ever heard an answer like that before, so points for creativity, however running isn't always a viable option. Meet me here in two days." He said and turned to go back to wherever he came from. "Oh and bring a weapon!" He. called over his shoulder as he disappeared into the trees