An Ambush (1)

A week passed since Erik had pledged his assistance to the villagers of Liberty Watch. Vanessa found herself leading a small hunting team through the dense undergrowth of the forest, her senses heightened as she sought signs of Thaids. Erik solved the food problem, that was true, but the village still needed precious proteins that the awakener couldn't provide. For this reason, Vanessa and a group of four other people went searching for beasts to kill.

The forest was bustling with activity, including the chirps of birds in the distance, the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the rumble of a nearby stream in the background. Vanessa's sharp eyes combed the landscape, following the Thaids' shaky footprints as they moved across it.

She was an unspoken authority over her team, a leader who was firm but kind and who earned the respect of her coworkers and superiors.