The sun hung low, its warmth stretching across the village and casting long shadows as Umbra and the girls approached, their cloaks draped over their forms. Now fifteen and on the cusp of their sixteenth birthdays, the girls had grown into capable warriors, their movements sharp with confidence garnered through years of training under the watchful eye of Umbra. The eldest, almost at the age of eighteen, walked with poise way beyond her years; it reflected in her stature shaped by the strengths and disciplines that had molded her.
"Remember, stay close," Umbra said in a low, clear voice, which cut through the buzzing air. The girls nodded, their excitement palpable, though hidden beneath their cloaks. This was the first time they had ever been near the village, and though confident, it sent shivers of nervous exhilaration down their spines.
