How strange, Aria thought to herself. What are the odds of me running into some boy in the middle of the woods? As she thought Aria continued on her way through the woods. Oh well. She continued, Probably just some glory-hungry fool chasing fame and fortune. Aria had never understood why people would flock to the Tower in droves. Having grown up in the Wilderun, Aria was well aware of the sort of dangers that dwelled within the mountainous structure. She had her reasons, to be sure, but Aria knew all too well the kind of people Draghiem lured. Although, he did seem different, didn't he? There was just something about that boy.... Aria had seen something in the boy’s eyes. Only for an instant, but she was certain it was there. It was almost as if something had been moving just beneath the surface. Aria walked, lost in thought, as she made her way to her small camp. "Rygart..." Aria spoke his name aloud, almost as if it had a power to it. "I will have to remember that name." She said to herself, expecting that one day she might yet again be face-to-face with the curious boy she had just met.

Not long after her encounter with Rygart, Aria found herself back at camp where her horse and tent still stood. "Hello there Feora." Aria spoke softly and with a smile, setting down her collection of herbs and crossing over to the beautiful mare she had grown up with. "I think I have something here you will enjoy." The mare neighed and kicked its head back in an obviously enthusiastic manner. "I can't put anything past you can I?" She chuckled as she produced a handful of grassy herbs from behind her back. "Don't get used too it. Angel's Hair may be one of your favorites, but it is very difficult to come by. Sometimes I doubt how much you appreciate what I go through for you." Aria held the Angel's Hair in her hand just a few inches from the horse's mouth. As she spoke the horse neighed yet again, stomping the ground with her hooves before lowering her head and eating from Aria's hands. "Alright alright! I guess you do appreciate it." Aria continued to smile and pet her horse until none of the horse's delicious treat remained. Aria rubbed her mare's neck and shoulder, speaking softly as she did so. "I hope you savored that. It might be quite some time before we can find more."

Once Aria was assured that her horse was satisfied she turned back to her basket and eyed it's contents. I didn't get as much as I had hoped, she thought, but I've been gone for too long already. Aria glanced up at the sky, peering through the treetops. The sky was already alight with the evening colors, meaning dusk had already settled over the little forest. I'll leave at first light. With any luck I'll be able to get home before dusk tomorrow. Thinking about the long ride ahead of her gave Aria no joy, yet the thought of returning home to be with her brother was more than enough to lift her spirits. I'll have to tell Sota about that strange boy I met. Although, knowing him, he'll probably prance around for days telling anyone who will listen how his sister has fallen madly in love with some outsider. Thinking about her brother's antics always warmed Aria’s heart.

Pushing all thoughts of her brother aside Aria set about preparing for the trip home. She still had herbs that needs to be prepared and others that needed to be packed away. Little-by-little Aria broke down her camp and packed away that which she intended to bring back with her. As she worked dusk turned to night, and Aria once again climbed the trees and settled into her bed-sack, which swayed between two thick trees, several meters off the ground. From here Aria could make out a larger portion of the sky, and she watched the stars move across the sky, as she did night-after-night, before gently falling asleep.

The next morning Aria stowed away the last remnants of her camp, ensuring that it was almost as if she were never even there. She took a firm hold of Feora's reins and began leading her out of the forest. Moving between the trees proved to be quite time-consuming, as expected, but eventually the two found themselves out of the woods and heading for the open road. Draghiem could be seen off to the distant west, towering over all. However Aria's destination lay to the south, where the Wilderun is found. Even though the area comprised mostly of rolling plains, the dense tree line of the Wilderun wasn't visible. And wouldn't be for quite some time.

Aria mounted her horse and prepared herself for the long ride. Thankfully, Feora was a breed above most, and could traverse the distance rather easily. Something most other steads would find impossible. "Alright girl," Aria said as she patted Feora's neck. "You know what they say, 'Sooner begun, Sooner done,' right?" The horse reared up and let loose a long neigh in response to Aria's words, and broke out across the plains. See you soon, Sota.

Aria's trip went as expected. As she had made the trip several times before she was well aware of what lay ahead. She came across few other travellers, only once passing another on the road. The day was filled with nothing but the rhythmic beat of Feora's hooves pounding the hard-packed dirt of the road. After several hours of riding Aria brought her horse to stop near a small stream. Here they rested, drank, and ate. Making sure to recover enough to continue the pace. Once Aria was satisfied that Feora was ready to continue, they once again set off, making their way towards the Wilderun.

After hours of travel Aria once again found herself walking into her village, through the gate and passing the first house of many that she will see before she reaches her own home. And as usual the other villagers rarely looked her in the eye. And those that did always did so with a look of disdain. Home sweet home, Aria thought, as yet another villager cast a scornful look her way. Different day, same thing. Aria sighed, feeling the weight of being the local outcast. Whatever, I'm used to it by now. As far as I'm concerned, they can all be eaten by goblins.

As Aria walked through the center of the village she heard an all-too-familiar cackle from behind, "Ohhhh, well if it isn't little miss Aria!" A shrill and ear-piercing voice called out.

Aria closed her eyes and lowered her head, wishing she were anywhere else but here. What Goddess have I offended so, to have to deal with this shrill girl upon only just returning home. "Ah, hello Belatrice!" Aria responded, stopping and turning to face the source of her current mood. "It really has been a long time, hasn't it?" Aria reached deep down within her soul and summoned the closest thing to a smile she could manage.

"Come now Aria, you know you can just call me Bela!" The woman, Bela, spoke with a disingenuous smile and radiated contempt. Her hands rested on her hips, and she was accompanied by an entourage of others, most of whom were stupid, drooling men. Her arms, chest, legs, and stomach were mostly bare. Opting to wear as little clothing as possible and still be comfortable. The busty brunette crossed her arms over her chest before continuing, "It has been such a long time since I've seen you! And here I'd thought you'd up and died. Or at least, had hoped anyway."

Aria's eye twitched almost imperceptibly as the woman spoke. "Oh dear!" Aria replied, "I feel awful. You've been putting so much thought into my well being and yet, I haven't thought about you once!" A rueful smile spread across Aria's face. Take that, conniving bitch.

It was clear that Aria's comment had gotten to Bela, as her fake smile lapsed for a moment, and her retinue of idiots all shared a look of equal parts shock and anger. "Yes, well,” She said, as she regained her air of conceit. “It is hard to forget about the Clan's disgrace. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't all wish that you and that Hashi you call a brother would just die already."

That last comment was enough to put Aria over the edge. She would dare call my brother a Hashi to my face? Aria lost all composure as the full impact of the words hit her. The false smile that she had been hiding behind fell away, and left only a blank stare. She will live to regret her words, Aria thought as her hand fell to grip the kukri blade she kept at her hip.

"Belatrice, that is enough." A firm and menacing voice rang out from behind Aria. Recognizing the voice of the clan Chief, Aria froze, well aware of the fact that she was skirting a very dangerous line.

Aria turned as the man stood beside her. The Chief’s massive arms were folded across his bare, and equally large, chest. He eyed his daughter with a look of cold detachment. As Aria inspected the Chief her focus fell on his braided beard, and the wooden dowels that represented his years of leadership over the clan. A palpable nervousness took hold of Aria. There were none among her clansmen that could equal the Chief’s strength. And she had just been about to maim his eldest daughter.

"But father..." Bela pleaded, before being cut off by the Chief.

"Aria knows full well what her brother is. She alone has the responsibility of returning her honor. Also," He begins as his eyes dropped to Aria's hand, "I do not wish to lose a daugher today." Shit. He knows exactly what I was about to do. Aria stood, uncertain of how the Chief would react. It was a grave sin to raise a weapon against a fellow clansman, let alone someone of the Chief’s own blood.

"Oh please." Bela spoke with her normal haughty derision. "She wouldn't dare. She doesn't even have the guts to kill that worthless..."

"I said that's enough!" The Chief's eyes flared to life, and the force of his presence exploded out and engulfed all those close by. Aria was instantly wrapped in fear. The blood drained from her face and arms. She only stayed upright due to sheer force of will. Whatever she had been thinking of doing had been replaced by an unending, irrational fear.

By now they had drawn the attention of everyone nearby. Many others showed clear signs of terror on their faces, and some of those that stood by Bela collapsed altogether, overwhelmed by the Chief's presence. Eventually Aria was able to grasp a hold of her senses again. As she looked up she saw the casual, stoic face of the Chief. No trace of the suffocating presence from before. Almost as if nothing had happened.

"You may go about your way, Aria." The Chief said, sending chills down Aria's spine. She will not soon forget the fear she felt just from the man raising his voice.

"Yes sir." Aria spoke, barely able to squeeze out a meek, little response of acknowledgement.

Aria turned and continued leading Feora down the road, not daring to look back.

It was some time before Aria reached the front stoop of her modest house. Aria's home was little more than a shack. A roof with four walls. But it wasn't the worn down little building that she considered home, it was what lay within. Aria smiled as she hefted her pack and crossed the threshold. "Is it too much to ask for a little help over here?" Aria called out after stepping passed the door. The entrance led to a narrow hallway, which opened up on the right a few meters in. Aria could make out the faint sounds of light footsteps thumping on the floor, just out of sight.

Only a moment or two after Aria had spoken, a small boy of perhaps nine years of age turned the corner. Upon seeing his sister's face, Sota lit up with surprise and adoration. "Aria! You're home!" He shouted and ran up to his sister, wrapping his frail arms as tight as he could around his sister's waist.

Aria returned the gesture as she hugged her brother, careful not to use too much strength. "It's good to see you haven't burned down the place while I was gone." She said with mock surprise.

Aria's younger brother looked up, feigning a hurt expression. "Oh please, if it weren't for me this place would fall to ruin!"

"Are you sure it hasn't already?" She replied, smiling and rustling Sota's hair.

"Ha.Ha.Ha." He responded, "Maybe if you did something a little more lucrative, besides frolicking in the woods all day, we'd be living like..." His sentence was cut off by a fierce fit of coughing, by the end of which he was practically doubled over kneeling on the floor.

The sight of her brother's fit filled Aria with worry. "Oh Sota, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten you so worked up." As she spoke Aria kneeled down in front of her younger brother.

"Oh, shut up ugly!" He wheezed, "not everything in this world is your fault." He coughed some more, swallowed a few times, and cleared his throat. "Most things, sure, but not all." He smiled, doing what he could to ease his sister's worry.

"Well," Aria smiled back, "too bad your attitude is the same as it ever was."

"You seem to be implying the need for my attitude to change." He said smugly, crossing his arms in defiance.

Aria scooped up her younger brother in her arms, and nuzzled her face against his. "Mmmm, maybe not yet."

"Ewwwww, you're gonna make me as ugly as you if you keep that up!" Sota yelled, blushing as he did so.

"What else am I to do?" She replied. "If I don't, all the other girls will go crazy and come steal you away from me!" As she talked Aria walked through the house, carrying her brother in her arms. "But if you're really worried about becoming as hideous as your big sister, then you better get plenty of beauty sleep." She added as she entered the small room her brother occupied.

"Fine, but you don't have to put me to bed like a baby!" Sota began squirming in his sister's grasp, trying to get free.

"Okay, but you better go straight to bed. It will be getting dark soon." Aria set her brother back down on his own two feet, giving him enough space to brush himself off, like he had just finished crawling through the dirt.

"I know, I was just getting ready for bed before someone rudely interrupted me." He turned and looked at his sister before sticking out his tongue. "I don't need you to baby me every time you come home ya know!" Sota climbed into the small bed that was tucked away in the corner of the room.

"But you're my baby brother!" Aria responded, with a mocking look of shock on her face. "I'll baby you until the end of time", She smiled.

"Ugghhh, sisters are so weird." Sota replied, rolling his eyes as he pulled the covers up over himself.

"That's what makes sisters so great!" Aria laughed and kneeled by her brother's bed.

Sota yawned and turned on his side, looking at his sister as his eyes began to droop. "I am glad you're home again sis. Even if you are ugly." Sota yawned once more and closed his eyes.

Aria sat on the edge of the bed, humming a melody their mother used to sing, and waited until her younger brother was fast asleep, before silently standing up, and walking out of the room.

The next morning Aria awoke just before the first light of dawn. She moved about quietly as she headed for the door, taking extra care not to wake her slumbering brother. Once outside, Aria began her morning routine, working hard to keep her athletic physique. First, she stretched, making sure each and every muscle burned from the effort. Next she would put those muscles to work, pushing against her own body, pitting muscle against muscle. Only after dripping with sweat and aching from the effort did she stop.

Yet still she was not finished. After another bout of light stretching Aria set off, heading in the direction of the west wall. Once a few paces away, she turned, running alongside the curvature of the three meter tall wooden structure. Aria pumped her arms and thrust her legs, not stopping, not even slowing down. One kilometer, and then two. As she neared the seven kilometer mark Aria angled inward, running the same path she always has. Here there was an open meadow, with an ancient oak tree at it’s center. This was a place Aria frequently visited growing up, and it quickly became one of her favorite places within the walls. Aria stopped beneath the shadow of the massive tree and listened to various sounds of the Wilderun all around her as she caught her breath and gave her legs a short reprieve. After several moments of enjoying the serenity the meadow provided, Aria once again resumed her steady pace, heading back the way she had come.

By the time Aria had returned home dawn had long since passed, and Sota meandered about inside their home. “Good morning Sota”, Aria said as she walked through the entryway and into what might have passed for a kitchen. “I hope you’ve made breakfast! I don’t know if I have the energy to even lift my legs.” Aria collapsed into a chair by the small table that sat against the wall, exaggerating every motion of fatigue.

Soon after Aria sat down Sota brought her a plate, upon which sat a single fried egg, and two measly strips of fresh, hot bacon. Aria eyed the plate in obvious disappointment. “Sorry sis, but that’s all we’ve got. Someone’s going to have to get to work if she wants a real breakfast.”

“Oh alright”, Aria moaned. “Although, I’d much rather have a full stomach before dealing with the villagers.”

“Well, you’ll just have to make do.” Sota said as he brought his sister a hefty glass of water.

Aria eyed the glass with a ravenous look. Almost as if she had been lost in the desert, without water for days. “Aren’t you a good little brother!” She exclaimed just before downing several gulps.

As Aria ate Sota set about cleaning up the remnants of his cooking, trying his best to keep his stomach from growling. The last thing he wanted was for his sister to find out that he had given her everything they had left.

“Alright.” Aria said after she gulped down the last bit of water in her glass. “I got a decent enough haul from my trip. That, plus what’s been drying in the storeroom should give us enough to make do with.” Aria stood and placed her plate and glass on top of the pile her brother was working to clean. “Thanks again for everything.” She said as she tousled Sota’s hair.

“Knock it off.” Sota grumbled, blushing all the while.

“I’ll be outside getting some things together. Make sure you don’t work too hard and that you get plenty of rest.” She said with a firm look in her eye.

Aria left the house once again, this time heading around the back where their small storeroom was located. Once inside Aria took stock of her robust inventory. The inside of the storeroom looked like it was a dense jungle, as dozens of different kinds of herbs lined the walls and hung from the ceiling. Some were ready for use, and others still needed time to dry out before they could be properly used. That which needed to be fresh when used grew, either in meticulously maintained pots, or in the garden just outside the door.

Aria collected that which she needed. Some to make poultices or oils, and others meant to simply be sold as ingredients. Once collected, Aria left the storeroom and brought what she needed to a small tabletop attached to the wall outside. Once there Aria began the real work. Preparing and mixing the herbs and animal fats to make a variety of concoctions. Some were meant to heal, others to clean, and even some to poison or paralyze. These were used by the hunters, and would rake in a large sum due to their usefulness and rarity. Aria was one of the most talented herbalists in the village, due in no small part to the help of her teacher. A woman most of the village revered as a witch or a devil. A thought that Aria could certainly sympathize with.

Time passed as Aria worked, and she soon fell into a rhythmic cadence. Before long Aria found she was running out of supplies, indicating she was just about finished. At least with this part. The part that Aria actually enjoyed about her work. Making potions and oils appealed to some part deep inside Aria’s soul. She was rarely as at peace as she was when grinding and mixing ingredients. And most everything paled in comparison to discovering a new concoction. For as much as Aria knew of her talent, so too did she know the limits of her knowledge. The thought of which, recently, caused her to feel a deep sorrow. Damn that old crone, Aria thought, breaking away from the sadness. What business is it of hers if I wish to go to Draghiem? As she thought to herself Aria remembered the last conversation she’d had with her teacher. I can’t believe she dismissed me like that. Refusing to continue teaching me. Crazy old bat. Try as she might Aria could not replace the sadness she felt with anger. No matter how much she wanted to, she just could not hate the old woman.

Aria rid the thoughts from her mind as she finished her work and then wrapped each vial or flask in strips of leather. Once finished with that, she cleaned each of her tools, making sure to be thorough, as she was taught, so that there were no remnants that might contaminate future projects. Once sufficiently satisfied that her tools and implements were clean, Aria placed each one of her finished products into a large, leather rucksack, along with what herbs she had set aside for the express purpose of selling. Now that she was done with all the necessary preparation, there was but one final step: Trading her wares with her fellow clansmen.

Aria lived far enough away from the village center that she didn’t have to worry about the others accosting her or, more importantly, her brother. As it was, her home rested on the very edge of the village, just a stone’s throw from the easternmost wall, and as such, it took Aria nearly half an hour of walking to reach the market. By now, the sun shone brightly overhead, filling the forest with equal parts sun and shadow.

Many others could be seen throughout the market which made up the trade center of the village. At one point Aria even saw an outsider, which was very rare, as most of her clansmen were wary of any individual not of the clan. From the distance Aria couldn’t make out very many details, though it was clear that the man was some kind of trader. He wore lavish clothes and seemed to be in possession of a large wagon, full of trade goods, and was even accompanied by a lone Sarketian guard. No doubt the rest of his entourage were told to wait outside the village walls.

Aria ignored the man, as he haggled over the price of some trinket or another, deeming him not nearly interesting enough to warrant her prolonged attention. Instead, she focused on making her usual rounds. Aria knew many villagers or shops that would pay well for her stock. Ever since her parents passed away, and after the villagers generosity wore thin, Aria had used her knowledge of herbs to support herself and her brother. Over the years she had built quite the customer base. Enough so, at least, to feel confident she wouldn’t need to bargain with some outsider. One probably too stupid to even know the value of what I carry, she thought to herself. More than once Aria was praised for the quality and rarity of her items. It was for this exact purpose that Aria often left the safety of the village, in search of the ingredients she needed to make such items.

Slowly Aria made her way from customer to customer, trading her wares for coin. As she made her way to her next potential customer, she was struck by a thought. Now that I think about it, Sota’s clothes were looking a little...worn, she thought as a boy and his mother made their way down the street ahead of her. Most of his stuff is either too small for him or too worn out. Aria checked the weight of her coin purse to determine whether or not she had enough to buy her brother some new clothes, becoming disheartened at the weight of the little leather pouch. Ah to hell with it. I suppose I’ll just have to skip a meal or two, Aria thought to herself, once she decided to do whatever she could to dote upon her little brother. Once she reached her next customer Aria was able to include some clothes into the price of some cleaning solutions. The woman she dealt with said her son had outgrown the clothes last season and that she was happy to give them to Aria, as long as she dropped a few coins off the asking price. It was an easy decision for Aria. She didn’t care, as long as she got to see her brother grow into the oversized clothes she’d gotten out of the deal. That would be more than worth it.

Eventually Aria made her way to her the village’s most well known apothecary and, incidentally, one of Aria’s best customers. The very same apothecary that supplied most of the clan’s hunters with their healing poultices. Most knew, of course, that it was Aria who made that which often saved so many of their lives, yet they still couldn’t be bothered to look her in the eye, let alone deal directly with her to buy her remedies. Aria didn’t care either way. She was happy for the chance to support her brother.

Aria had saved her best healing items to sell to the woman who ran the little shop. She was always polite enough, but never so much so that Aria felt compelled to stay any longer than necessary. It never bothered Aria though, as she wasn’t much of one for niceties. Once they agreed upon a price that each was happy with, Aria collected her earnings and went on her way.

As she was leaving the apothecary’s shop Aria ran into one of the few people whose company she actually enjoyed. “Deja!” She exclaimed. “I’m so happy I ran into you.” Aria smiled and embraced the young woman, who seemed equally pleased with the chance encounter.

“Aria!” she replied, as the two separated. “I had heard you were back! Why didn’t you come by?” She asked, as she tucked a loose strand of platinum blonde hair behind her ear. “Here I’d thought you’d outgrown me.” She pouted, sticking out her bottom lip, her iridescent green eyes feigning an expression of hurt.

“Oh please,” Aria responded. “If I hadn’t outgrown you when we were children I think it’s fair to say I never will. I’ve been meaning to come see you, really, but, well…You know how your parents can be.” Aria began to explain.

“If I’ve told you once I’ve told you a thousand times! Don’t worry about my stuck-up parents. They’ve got far bigger worries. Did you hear? My father was, once again, caught in a very compromising situation with a certain young woman.” Deja continued, completely oblivious to the looks the nearby villagers were giving her. “Do you remember Reiya? That brainless…”

“Um, do you really think now, here, is the right time or place to have this conversation?” Aria had begun blushing, which surprised her. Only when she was with Deja did she feel like a normal girl, being embarrassed by normal things. But that’s just how Deja was. A brash, impulsive girl that cared very little for what others thought and the one person who brought out Aria’s girlish side.

“Oh what do I care? I mean really, father’s the one that’s hunting for fawns a few years too young for him, if you get my meaning.” Deja leaned over and whispered as she said that last part, almost as if she were actually trying to be subtle.

Aria sighed, “Yes Deja. Everyone gets your meaning. The damn birds all the way in Draghiem got your meaning.”

“Well good,” She replied, letting her good nature and charm radiate from a dazzling smile. “I don’t care much about the birds, but as long as you got my meaning.” Aria did what she could to navigate Deja to a more private corner of the market.

“You know I don’t care much for the village gossip, Deja.” Aria said with a smile.

“Well I hope that one of these days that will change! Gossip is only fun if you can share it.” Deja adopted a rueful smile, almost as if she were plotting something. “Anyway,” she continued with a wave of her hand. “How was your trip? Anything noteworthy happen?”

For a second or two Aria thought about telling her friend about the strange boy she had met, but ultimately decided against it. Sota’s imagination was nothing compared to what Deja could dream up. Aria had no doubt that if she mentioned it, Deja would no doubt jump to imagining a very different type of encounter. “Hmm, nothing really. More of the usual. Although, I did find some really interesting plants. I suspect they will be great as a substitute for….”

“Aria!” Deja exclaimed, cutting off the other girl mid-thought. “You are entirely too preoccupied with plants! At our age girls should be impassioned by more...carnal thoughts.” She said as her eyes locked on to some boy walking by in the distance.

Aria rolled her eyes, “Oh please. Don’t lump me in with the likes of you. To be honest Deja, I think you’re quite the exception when it comes to your...interests.” Aria looked to her friend, who had since become distracted with making suggestive looks at that same boy.

After a moment or two Aria cleared her throat, hoping to get her friend's attention. “Ahem!”

“Oh, sorry what?” Deja said as she turned back to face Aria.

Aria sighed, “I was just going to thank you for looking after Sota.” Aria shifted moods, hoping the more serious tone would keep her friend’s attention better. “It really means a lot to me that you check in on him. If it weren’t for you, I would never be able to leave on my trips.” Aria looked Deja in the eye, trying to convey as much gratitude in her look as she was in her words. “I just really want you to know…”

“Aria,” her friend responded, with a soft expression in her eyes. “That’s really unnecessary. Sota is like my own little brother. Hell,” now her expression changed to align more closely to her characteristic good natured bravado, “your parents raised me as much as my own! Our parents were friends long before either of us were born.” She explained. “There wasn’t a time in my life where you weren’t there with me!” Deja smiled and laughed, no doubt imagining the time the two girls spent together growing up. “I remember all those times the two of us would stay up, late at night, trying not to worry as our parents went out to hunt all manner of beasts in the Wilderun.”

Aria’s eyes glazed over a little at the mention of her parents, and the all-too-familiar twinge of loss returned to her heart. Almost at once Deja noticed Aria’s shift in demeanor, and just as she noticed it she realized it’s source. Deja’s eyes dropped just a fraction, as she regretted her words almost immediately. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I didn’t mean to…”

“I know.” Aria said with a smile, pushing the feelings away. “You never have to apologize to me Deja. We are family, after all.” Aria’s smile betrayed no sorrow, not wishing to cause her friend any worry.

Aria and Deja exchanged a few more words, having said all that was really necessary. The two friends smiled, then they gripped each other’s forearm and bid farewell. Deja went about her business, and Aria left to sell what remained of her stock. And neither friend looked back, confident they would see each other again soon. Although, neither friend could have ever imagined the circumstances that would lead them together once again.

Soon the leather rucksack that Aria had stocked full of her work lay limp across her back. Now it only held the few pieces of clothing she had managed to finagle out of her business dealings. All of which were used, yet certainly in better shape then what her brother currently wore, and most of which was just a touch too big. Not so much as to be unwearable. Just enough to give a little room for Sota to grow in.

Aria weighed the little leather sack in which she kept her coins. She was rather pleased, for the most part, and glad to be done with the haggling and the sidelong glances. Coming to the market was never something she enjoyed, and most likely never would be. Still, I made out pretty good today.

As she made her way through the hustle and bustle of the village market a prolific growling sound echoed out from Aria’s stomach. Oh, I can’t forget to buy food. I do not want to make this trip again. And with that thought Aria made the familiar turns towards the butcher’s shop. Meat first, she thought hungrily, the rest later.

There was only one official butcher’s shop in the village. A large portion of Aria’s clan were hunters, and as such most knew how to skin and gut their prey, only seldomly selling to the local butcher for some extra coin. There were some families that either didn’t have hunters, or didn’t care to do the work of cleaning their kills themselves, and these families would come here, so they wouldn’t starve.

Here, just like at the apothecary, the butcher was polite enough, caring more about Aria’s business than clan politics. Well, only by a little. He spoke in short, terse sentences and exuded an air of pure business. So Aria did the same, keeping the exchange professional. The butcher was a nice man, to most, so he was always willing to haggle a fair price, which Aria saw as a blessing. If the man wanted to he could easily take advantage of Aria and ask for an unreasonable sum for his products. Luckily either the thought never occurred to him or he had no taste for such behavior, as he only ever treated Aria fairly. There were others in the village that did not. They had rules against unfair treatment. Like increasing the prices for certain individuals, or flat out refusal to accept their business, but Aria knew of no one that had been punished for such behavior. In fact, Aria knew of a few who did exactly that whenever she approached them. After a while she knew who would or wouldn’t allow fair business. It was this she was thinking of as she walked past one produce stall and then another. Knowing she would never get a fair deal.

This process made what, for most, is a relatively simple act into something far more complex and time consuming. Aria often found herself having to walk from one corner of the market to the other, passing several other vendors. For most it was a simple matter of finding who would give you the best deal out of the lot of vendors. For Aria, however, it was about knowing who wouldn’t cheat her. It was a rather small pool of shops or produce carts, many of which didn’t open every day. And so, Aria made her way about the market, buying what she could where she could.

By the time Aria finally walked back through the door of her own home the day was just about over. The sun wasn’t quite into dusk, though it wouldn’t be long. Aria hefted her rucksack as she stepped into the little kitchen of her home. “Sota?” She called out, surprised that her brother hadn’t welcomed her home.

Aria ditched her load on the table before moving to the door of her brother’s room. She knocked lightly a few times before calling out once more in her soft voice, “Sota? I’ve come back from the market. Do you want…” Aria’s voice trailed off as she opened the door and saw her brothers small frame lying on his side beneath his covers. Sota’s ribs gently moved up and down, indicating the young boy was sound asleep. Aria backed out through the doorway, taking care to make as little noise as possible as she closed the door.

Now that she was aware that her brother was sleeping, Aria didn’t want to wake him. So she went about unpacking and separating the provisions she’d brought back from the market. With every step and every motion, Aria kept silent. She was happy to do the work and to let her brother sleep. It didn’t take long before she had everything separated. That which needed to be cured or preserved was left on the table. The rest was put away in the cupboard, out of reach of any mice that might wish to nibble away at Aria’s hard work.

Once finished with that Aria left the house once again and made her way to the small smokehouse they used. It was a tiny thing, barely more than sticks tied together. Aria lacked the necessary skill to build a true smokehouse, and often had to rebuild theirs after it fell apart. Thankfully the structure still held together, saving Aria the trouble of having to reconstruct the pitiful thing. Aria built a small fire, taking care to keep it the right size and not let it get too hot. Once she was satisfied with the result she retrieved the several meats from inside the house and began the arduous process of smoking and preserving it.

Hours go by as Aria works, daylight giving way to dusk, which in turn turns to night. Just as the sun sinks below the horizon Sota appears from the front door, carrying something in his hands. “Hey!” He calls, “I thought you might be hungry, so I put something together with what you left out.” He walks up to his sister, brandishing a bowl. “I hope that’s okay. I did the best I could, given what I had.”

“Well hello there little brother!” Aria exclaims, stepping away from the heat and smoke. “It’s good to see you up and about.” Aria wipes the sweat off her brow before reaching for the bowl her brother carried. “Mmmm I don’t know what this is but it smells good!” She says, casting longing glances at the stew her brother presented her. “C’mon, let’s eat some together.” Aria smiles and walks towards a soft patch of grass in front of their house.

“There’s more inside.” Sota responds, beckoning towards the rundown little building. “I can just go in and eat…”

“Nonsense!” His sister shouts, cutting him off. “I haven’t seen you all day little brother!” Aria exclaims, bumping Sota with her hip. “C’mon, we can share. I promise, you won’t catch anything.” Aria sits in the grass, taking care not to spill the contents of her bowl.

Sota sits beside her, both siblings sitting in what little light remained of the day. Each take turns taking a bite of the stew as they talk about their day, with Aria leaving most of the beef for her brother, and Sota leaving the carrots for his sister. Aria tells Sota about the strange merchant she saw in the market, and who bought what from her throughout the day. The bowl that Sota brought had been large, but it was soon emptied.

“Alright, let’s go in for seconds.” Aria said with a grin on her face. “I know you’re still glutton for more.”

“Don’t project your own feelings onto me!” Sota responded. “The only glutton around here is you!” Sota rolled his eyes as he pointed towards his sister’s belly.

“Excuse me? Are you implying something, little brother?” Aria tackled Sota to the ground, wrestling with her younger brother, yet taking care not to be too rough.

“H-hey!” he laughed. “Cut it out! And I’m not implying it, I’m stating it outright!” He shouted as he broke away from his sister’s grasp. Sota jumped to his feet, stuck out his tongue, and ran back into the house.

Aria simply laughed and jumped up to her feet. “Oh, I’m going to get you for that one!” She yelled as she too ran into the house, chasing Sota.

Aria and Sota soon finished off what remained of the stew, both satisfied with a full belly. Once finished, the two siblings both cleaned up, with Aria once again returning to the smokehouse afterward. After a thorough inspection of her work Aria found herself content with the finished product, which she brought back into the house. Once all was said and done, Aria was confident they would have plenty of food in reserver, enough for her to make another trip out of the village. This time probably going deeper into the Wilderun, instead of travelling for hours on end to a safer nearby forest. It might be more dangerous, she thought, but I’d be gone for half as long. Aria contemplated her plans as she watched as her brother retrieved some linens from the line outside.

Oh, that’s right. I almost forgot. Aria had nearly forgotten to give Sota his new clothes. “Oh Sota!” She called out. “I have a present for you!” Aria pulled the clothing from the rucksack, first ensuring her brother couldn’t see what it was.

“What?” He replied. “A present? Oh please don’t let it be something girly.” He said with a doubtful look in eye.

“Well I won’t give it to you then.” Aria said, with just enough seriousness to elicit a reaction out of her brother.

“No, don’t do that! I was just kidding, honest.” Sota had just about leapt across the room, the change in his demeanor almost instant.

“That’s better.” Aria said with a smile. “I hope it’s not too girly for you.” Aria pulled the clothing out from behind her back as she spoke, going for the full dramatic effect.

“New clothes!” Her brother yelled. “Thanks so much! There’s only so many times you can repair a rip.” Sota smiled as he accepted Aria’s gift. “I was afraid I’d have to start walking around here in the nude!”

“Alright now, go try them on!” Aria replied. “I want to see you in them!” Aria shooed her brother into his room. “Go on now! Git!” After a few minutes of rummaging sounds coming from behind the door, Sota stepped out, dressed in his new breeches and shirt. “Well?” Aria asked. “How do they feel?”

“Mmmm they're a little...big.” Sota responded, swaying this way and that, trying to get a feel for the new clothes.

“Yes, I got them that way on purpose! Now you’ve got to grow up big and strong, so that they fit properly.” Aria smiled at her brother, who only blushed in response. “Deal?” She asked.

“Okay deal.” Sota answered, before being engulfed in a bear hug from his sister.

As Aria embraced her brother, a distant, yet distinct, howl tore through the night. Only a moment later several other howls echoed after the first. Both siblings froze as they recognized the sounds, and their implications.

“Aria, was that…?” Before Sota could finish his sentence Aria was already moving. First she went to the front door and peered out into the night.

“Yeah, those were definitely weir. A whole pack from the sound of it.” The dull ache of fear had taken root in Aria, though she tried as best as she could not to let it enter her voice. “Don’t worry.” She comforted. “They’re far off. Sounds like...the north? Northwest maybe. Definitely beyond the wall.” Aria closed the door and returned to her brother’s side, smiling in an attempt to ease his fear.

“Will you have to leave?” He asked.

“Let’s just wait and....” Before she could finish her sentence, another set of howls tore through the air. Aria sighed. “I’m sorry Sota, but I have to go.” Aria began to move once more, much more urgently than before. “Lock the door after I leave, and stay away from the windows. Keep the lights low. They’re outside the walls, so the danger here is minimal, but best be safe.”

“But why!?” Sota yells, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes. “Why do you have to go?” Aria pauses, knowing that this must be hard on her younger brother.

“You know why Sota.” Aria crouches down low, reaching eye level with her brother.

“But…” Sota starts, before being cut off by his sister.

“You know how it is. It is my duty. Everyone in the village must respond when there is a threat.” Aria attempts to consul her brother, knowing that she will be distracted if she were to leave him like this.

“Please don’t go.” Sota says, his voice barely a whisper.

“Hey.” Aria responds, speaking softly and with confidence. “Who do you think I am? I’ve gone up against worse than some old weir.” Aria looks at her brother with a gentle look in her eye.

“I know.” Sota says, looking up from the spot in the floor he’d been staring at.

Aria pulls him in close, and touches her forehead to his. “As long as I’ve got you waiting for me at home, I’m unbeatable.” Aria’s words lighten Sota’s fear and the two separate as Aria begins moving about, collecting her hunting gear.

“Don’t worry about me little brother.” Aria reassures as she strings her bow. “I can drop a boar at a hundred paces. You really think some fancy wolf can do any better?” Once her bow is strung, Aria rests it in a specially designed pack. After that, she grabs a special leather contraption, which she straps to her thigh. Inside this device there lies special compartments, each laden with potent oils, designed to cripple or impair Aria’s prey. She then puts on her leather jerkin, which contains many more compartments that housed salves, pellets, and other trinkets Aria was accustomed to using during her hunts.

Once she is satisfied that her pack has everything she will need, including her quiver and a few other basic survival supplies, she straps it on her back, before finishing off her attire with her kukri blade, which she secured to her hip. Once all was said and done Aria looked like a totally different person. Her raven hair was pulled back tight, into a long ponytail. She had dark paint around her eyes reaching almost to her ears. She wore leather bracers on her arms, and a long knife tucked into her boots, the tops of which reached almost to her knees. Sota stared up at her in wonder, as if seeing a legend from an old fairy tale.

“Alright Sota. I’m heading out. Lock the door behind me, and don’t go outside until I get back. Okay?”

“Alright.” Sota responded, having shaken off his earlier fear and replaced it with brave determination. Sota stood ramrod straight with his arms by his side. Almost as if he were receiving orders in some imaginary army.

Aria smiled at her little brother, glad to see that he had come around. “You promise?” She asked.

“Yes ma’am!” He answered. “I promise!”