Prologue:
Four years I have fought day and night to survive. Only for each day to be the same, covered in blood. Today is no different.
Chapter 1:
After four years of fighting either on the borders of Elyrea or in my own home of Capse, today seems to be a rare opportunity for Dea Bellona. No challenges today, nor any intruders in the territory. What was unexpected was seeing her grandmother, who has not stepped foot in Capse in over a decade.
At seeing my Ma, I quickened my step to meet her on the outskirts of the village. For a grandmother nearing seventy she is still in very good health. After having two children and helping raise two grandchildren, she still has the spark of life in her eyes. Ma is my height at 5'7", slim build from training, but unlike myself Ma has curves that still turn heads of men, black hair as dark as night, blue eyes like a thunderstorm, and sharp features.
I inherited the sharp cheek bones, small straight nose and almond-shaped eyes from her. Where her eyes are blue mine are so dark brown they are nearly black with my hair just as dark. Many mistake her as my mother instead of grandmother since she raised me and my brother when our parents died.
Like many women in Elyrea, my Ma is wearing practical clothing: fitted black pants, loose light grey shirt, black leather jacket, and black boots that reach nearly to her knees. She is a sight to behold and one to be feared. Morrigan Bellona, former Warlady of Elyrea is my grandmother and mentor.
At finally reaching each other, we are on the edge of Capse which is a small village in Elyrea that holds the power of the territory. We are in the shade of the forest- at least for the time being since it is only mid morning. As soon as she is within reach, I pull her into a hug.
Ma chuckles as she returns the hug, "Long time little one." She is smiling as we pull apart from each other.
"I have not seen you in over four years, Ma, what brings you back to Capse?" I can't help the little worry that comes into my tone, she despises this place.
"I have not only heard but seen that you have been fighting more than any before you. I came to see why." The anger in her tone and eyes is apparent, this is the Morrigan that ruled for three decades, not my grandmother. All of the relaxed and joyful demeanor she showed prior is gone, everything is business now.
"Seen? What do you mean by seen? You have not been in Capse in over a decade." My tone is defensive, there is no way of it not being, even with her anger apparent and my defensive position we are both calm.
Calculated even, she taught me no matter the feelings you have you are cold in dealing with your station and title.
"Child just because you did not see, does not mean I was not here." At that, the anger in her eyes and tone lessened and body relaxed, she put her hand on my shoulder nudging us into a walk. We walked in comfortable silence walking the perimeter of the village just outside the patrol.