Across a small gully of red, white polka-dotted mushrooms is a small homely wooden cottage. Wren blinks in disbelief and hastily wipes her eyes clean with her fists. Hunger must surely have begun to addle her mind. But after blinking furiously, the cottage did not disappear.

In front of the cottage is a spit with some sort of creature being roasted. Wren creeps as stealthily as possible down the pebbly hill and towards the cottage as she cautiously listens for any sounds but is unable to hear anything. Scurrying from brush to bramble Wren finally reaches the cottage. Leaning against the wall Wren peeks through a dusty window to only see a small wooden table and chair on onside and on a medium sized wooden post bed with trunk at its feet with no sign of the owner inside.

Suddenly Wrens skin tingles much too late as a voice from behind her says, 'What do you think you're doing on my property?" Wren warily spins around to face the speaker.

A black haired, lean middle-aged man intently gazes at Wren with a strange indescribable look in his grey eyes. The middle-aged man is about six feet tall with a tall gaunt face and bags under his eyes. His orange bright robes are dirty and have badly sown patches on them. The middle-aged man glares at her as he clears his throat and crossly asks anew, "Did you not hear me? I said, what do you think you're doing on my property?"

With Wren’s skin tingling like crazy, she knew that whoever this man was he was dangerous! Wren keep her back to the wall as she slightly tilts her head in a bow without removing her eyes from him.  “I'm sorry if I trespassed on your land, sir, but I was swept into the cave system by a flood, and I'm just looking for a way back to the surface. I'll be leaving now and getting out of your way," Wren quickly stated.

Wren slowly inches past the cottage to retreat back towards the hills. Wren had on idea why the middle-aged man was here, but she had no intention of finding out. But even more so, his eerie gray eyes gave the willies, because he still appeared to be pondering her words.

 Finished deliberating, the middle-aged man comes to a decision that he can live with. "I'm sorry, but I can’t trust you. You would to have walked past the sacred waters protected by its holy guardian. And the guardian would have an easy time of destroying you. So, unless you are more powerful, than you appear which I highly doubt. You would have had to been sent here by someone quite powerful, " the dark-haired man loudly declared.

Wren slightly pales at his words. Not only does the madman want to kill her, but she may have eaten and consumed a holy guardian?! Well, if the gods didn't like her before, they sure have a reason to hate her now.

Wren tries to use diplomacy to change his mind. "Look, I can prove I got past the holy guardian. It was a giant squid," Wren boldly said to softly mumble, "Which I ate." Gazing into the man’s face Wren resolutely says, “Nonetheless, I can promise you that the treasure of the lake the golden pearl still resides there.”

The madman cheerfully smiles at Wren. "It doesn't matter really. I won't believe anything you say." Before the madman takes a step toward her Wren leaps back as the madman continues, "I apologize for having to kill you, but I'm left with no other choice, little elf."

 At his response, Wren glowers at being called, "little elf." Wren roars back, "I'm not an elf! I'm an Ogre, you, idiotic madman!" Wren futilely clamps her hands over her mouth trying to stop the words from exiting her mouth. But as usual it is already too late Wren had already called the madman an idiot.

The madman cocks his head in curiosity at her statement, but his disbelieving cold face does not inquire about it. Before Wren can react, the madman is already behind her as Wren rolls to her feet and casts an icicle at him. The madman shatters the frozen magical icicle with his bare hand as the ice shatters into pieces.

 Filled with dread, Wren backs further back as the madman raises an inquiring eyebrow and asks, "How old are you child?"

Wren glares back at him, not trusting him one bit. "If I tell you, will you let me go?" Wren asked.

“No,” the madman honestly replied.

 “Then it’s none of your business," Wren flatly exclaimed.

The madman frowns at the child's response but decides to quickly end this farce. This child had been taxing on his already delicate nerves. Besides he had a roasting bird on the fire, and any more distractions would cause his juicy, succulent bird to burn.

The madman merely takes one step forward and appears behind the child again. Before the child can react he already has the female child by the back of her neck much like a kitten and with other ready to suck the life out of the child.

As the other hand reaches for her, Wren’s second set appear as she twists her head and chomps on his hand. With a vicious twist of her head, Wren ruthlessly tears the hand off with a loud crunch and hastily swallows. Hissing in anger, Wren bares her to teeth at the madman. If she was going to die fine them, but it would be on her own terms.

The madman doesn't scream or make a peep of pain nor react negatively in any form or manner. On the contrary, the madman stares in utter fasciation at the child's second set of teeth.  He had not expected to find such a pleasant surprise as he smiles in pleasure at the child.

Bewildered the child just stares at him in confusion. The madman calmly raises his bleeding wrist and shows his wrist to the child. The child watches in disbelief as his hand grows back within a few seconds as the child's mouth falls open in disbelief and dismay.

The madman grins in approval at the child's appropriate reaction. The madman smiles happily and says, "Why didn't you say you were an ogre clan head? I would have been a lot more polite.”

Wren stares wordlessly at the madman until she grudgingly says, "I did say, I was an Ogre!" Wren doesn’t even wince at her tone of voice as she was dealing with a deranged lunatic. Who knows, what a crazy person wants?

The madman seems astonished at her callous response, before pensively saying, "Are you sure? Because I'm sure I would have remembered you saying that you were an ogre clan head."

Wren stares at him in despair as words simply fail her. This man is completely insane! If she was able to she would be running away in the opposite direction as fast as she could! Wren drily replies, "I did tell you! You told me, you wouldn't believe anything I said.”

The madman takes a step back clearly taken back at her words. For a moment he looks shamefacedly at her, before merrily winking at her. "Whoops, must have slipped my mind. I must be getting senile in my old age," the madman sheepishly said as he shrugs his shoulders.

Wren opens her mouth to fervently respond in agreement but thinks better of it. Who knows what the crazy, forgetful and clearly deranged man may do to her. However, she's clearly sure of one thing and that if he's not already senile, he probably will be shortly.

The mad man easily carries Wren with one hand and places her onto a stone next to the fire pit. "Now you stay still, while I finish cooking us up a fine dinner, alright?" The madman said.

Mostly in shock at his sudden change Wren just dumbly nods in response. She doesn't protest his actions and silently watches him. It doesn't even occur to her that he may decide to poison her instead of feeding her. But who would do such a monstrous thing? Only a human would desecrate food.

The madman moves around the cottage and brings out a fine wooden table from inside the house with two finely crafted wooden chairs. The madman slaps his forehead in a dramatic fashion and reprimands himself saying, "You idiot, you forgot the silverware!"

Followed by, "I am not an idiot! For your information that was going to be my next step!"

 "Oh really? If I remember correctly, you were thinking of cutting up the meat and serving it with your bare hands, you barbarian!" The madman yelled at himself.

Wren slowly edges away from him on her stone as she watches the madman have an internal conflict with himself. She is very seriously, considering running way even if it isn't a very good option. Or better yet, maybe she's better off fighting him again.

With a final shout, the madman stomps back into the cottage and returns with sparkling silverware, two lovely beige napkins, and an exquisite fine blue tablecloth. Carefully setting the table, the madman even properly places all of the napkins and silverware. To top that off the madman returns to the cottage and back with a jar, two matching plates, and two lovely jeweled cups. Finished setting up the table properly, the madman smiles in pleasure at the picturesque sight.

With a cheerful spring in his step the madman returns to his guest the small, but lovely ogre clan head. "Before we start, allow me to introduce myself. I am called many names, but for all intent and purposes, you may just call me, Hermit," the madman proclaimed.

 Hermit paused and says, "And before I forget my manners, please allow me to apologize for that unsightly display of behavior you just witnessed. It's just that I rarely have visitors and I sometimes forget how to act properly in front of an esteemed guest just as I did today. You have my sincerest heartfelt apologies for having gotten ahead of myself." Hermit even bows sincerely to the little ogre clan head in a proper court bow.

  Wide-eyed Wren nods at Hermit and eases as far away as she can without insulting him. She already knew Hermit was clearly insane and an apology won't change her mind. Deciding to stay on his good side lest the lunatic take offense, Wren freezes. How does one stay on the good side of a deranged person?

Seeing the Hermit intently staring at her Wren wryly comes to. "My name is Wren and I'm an ogre,” Wren truthfully said as she takes a seat at the table. Crazy Hermit may be insane but at least he is polite as Hermit cuts the bird into slices and serves her first.  

Seeing Hermit not eat and only study her, Wren anxiously swallows and wonders if the food is poisoned. Seeing Wren pause the Hermit asks, "Is the bird not your likening?"

“No, it’s just that you’re not eating,” Wren quietly replied.

“Oh, that. It’s just I'm just surprised you didn't thank the gods for the food. Most people I meet always start with that,” Hermit murmured back.

Wren shrugs and pragmatically answers, "Father, taught me to thank those who actually help us. I pray in my heart, but usually never to anyone. Besides, since the Gods withdrew from the world, they have their chosen ones who speak directly to them, so why bother.”

Hermit merrily laughs at Wren’s response and curiously asks, "Then what do you think of the fall?"

Wren sheepishly shrugs as she cuts a piece of meat with her knife,."Please don't take this the wrong way, but I wouldn't be here without it. What's the use of thinking about the past? You can't change it, no matter how much you wish for it," Wren rationally mumbled with a mouth full of food.

 Wren paused and swallows, “But if I could change the past I wish father was back. He never did anything wrong, he didn’t deserve that!”

Hermit perks up in curiosity and asks, "Well, now.  Now that sounds like an interesting tale. How about it? Won't you tell me your story?" Hermit expectantly looks at the little ogre clan head as interlaces his fingers and rests his chin on them. He did so love hearing new stories as didn’t often have the opportunity. And stories were one of the few things that still were capable of surprising him even now.

Prompted at his words the little ogre clan head starts from the begins. Wren tells him of her birth and childhood, then of their escape and of her father’s death, and to her journey through the woods and the caverns.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

 The Hermit watches the little ogre clan head with fascination and interest at finally having found an interesting specimen for the first time in many years. Hermit’s heart beats in exhilaration as his whole-body brims with excitement. In wonderment, Hermit recalls the long forgetting emotion of feeling alive. For the first time in many years, Hermit savors the long ago forgotten emotion that may be one day forgotten again, but not any time soon.

Wren feels uneasy at the Hermit’s tenacious gaze as he has yet to say a single word to her. Worried that she may have bored or offended him in some manner, Wren asked, "Why did you say, that you were happy I was an ogre clan head?"

The hermit enthusiastically says, "That's exactly what I was thinking about it! I knew it great minds think a like!"

Wren pales visibly at his statement, because she certainly didn’t think so. Besides she had yet to grow up and being an adult appeared to be a questionable and hazardous occupation. So, no thanks, she would rather remain as she was!

"Stay here for just a moment," Hermit excitedly yelled as he rushed into the cabin.

“Anything that can excite the deranged hermit, clearly can't be a good thing,” Wren thought to herself. And her worst suspicions were confirmed when Hermit exits the cottage carrying a large broad sword in his hands. Uneasily Wren stirs in her chair, whatever the lunatic had in store for her surely can't be good!

Hermit excitedly says, "Now don't move a muscle! Or this might hurt more than it should!"

Hermit swiftly swings the sword blade towards Wren’s right hand and in fear Wren throws herself to the side. “I knew it the madman is trying to kill me!” Wren thought to herself as she frantically climbed to her feet.

“Look I’m sorry and now will be on my way, goodbye!” Wren said as she ran off! She knew she should have never trusted the madman even a little bit. And now that he had fattened her up, he was going to cut her into pieces and eat her! Or even worse put her onto the fire spit and roast her alive!

Surprised and hurt by Wren’s actions Hermit says, "Stop running around this instant! This will be over before you know it!" And rushes forward with a crazy gleam in his eyes.

Hermits words don't fill Wren with confidence on the contrary, she's more alarmed than ever! Wren's heart pounds desperately in her chest as she dodges time and time again, wondering, how long she can keep up the pace?

Cross with the little ogre clan head’s cruel assumptions, Hermit decides to resolve the situation the only way he knows how to through sheer violence and brute force. Hermit leaps onto the frustrating child and pins the little ogre clan head to the ground. The infuriating child struggles beneath him causing him to sit on top of her legs and pin her arms under his knees.

The hermit leers in triumph as the child glares angrily at him. Ignoring the glare, Hermit gently grasps one of her arms and holds out it out as planned.

Wren’s heart violently trembles as she closes her eyes expecting the worse. Unable to maintain them shut, Wren’s eyes fly open at the whistling sound in the air to see Hermit bring the blade down and chop off her left arm. Wren turns green at the sight as a fierce pain shoots up her arm, before becoming numb.

Angry tears prick the corners of her eyes as she grinds her teeth together to keep from crying out. “This bastard! I will see him dead, if it's the last thing I ever do!” Wren frigidly swore to herself. And in reply a terrible strength suddenly fills her body as she kicks Hermit off her body and grabs for his collar. Furious, Wren raises her fist and slams her fist with full force into his face sending him airborne into the sky.  

A small cloud of dust is thrown into the air, before quickly settling back down as Wren stomps over and kicks his limp body for good measure! Not satisfied Wren raises her worn boot and brings down her full wrath onto his most precious family jewels to only freeze mid-way at seeing her arm back.

Disbelieving Wren turns back to see her chopped off left hand strewn on the ground. Feeling sick to her stomach Wren takes deep breathes as she struggles to understand the situation. Either way, Hermit was to blame.

Satisfied at her conclusion. Wren narrows her eyes and raises her boot and aims for the prized jewels. Coming to Hermit eyes widen in fright as he scrambles back and away. Clutching his bleeding nose, he stops a way a way. "Some strength you got their kid to think you actually managed to break my nose," Hermit mused out loud.

Wren grudgingly walks over and holds out her hand to help him to his feet. Back on his feet, Hermit brushes the dust from his clothes and says, "Did you know that ogre clan heads who have the ogre ancient bloodline have a second set of teeth that can absorb the abilities of a fallen enemy?"

Hermit expectantly waits to be praised as Wren flatly says, “Father already told me so and I figured it out after I ate the squid.”

Hermit’s eyes gleam in approval and in dismay at failing to surprise her. "Of course, as a female clan head unlike male ogre heads, a female clan head is limited to only three chances, and once they are used up the ability is gone.”

Wren almost weeps in anger, it just wasn’t fair! All because she was female, she was limited in use! Well, she would show them! Of course, that meant that Squid and Hermit were two uses which just left one more shot at gaining a new skill.

Wren ignores Hermit until she sees him reach for his fallen blade. Hermit smiles and causally chops off his own arm as Wren turns green. “See, I have an instant regeneration ability and you naturally absorbed it, isn’t it simply wonderful that I’m among one of your three gained skills?” Hermit exclaimed.

Wren eyes Hermit as through viewing a pervert. Is there a reason why she should praise him? Wren shrugs and hopes he’s not a pedophile.

Seeing a look of disdain in the little ogre’s eyes Hermit says, "With instant regeneration ability you never have to worry about healing, because you instantly will heal.” Falling to see surprise or awe on Wren’s face, Hermit unhappily adds, “That being said, instant regeneration is not immortality. You will probably live much longer than an ordinary elf and you are most certainly killable if your enemies chop off an important bit a such as your head or heart.”

Wren keeps the joy from showing on her face at such a useful ability. Healing potions were no longer needed and best of all, it was an excellent skill that would ensure her survival. Still, she was still rather mad at Hermit.

  Hermit fails to see any sign of joy on the young ogre clan head. Cross at seeing his magnificence, Hermit decides to take the little ogre clan head under his wing. Powerful men and women had come to him and he had turned them all way! The little ogre would no doubt be over joyed at his grand merciful gesture.

Wren raises her eyebrows at Hermit in impatience as she wonders, what the blast is the deranged hermit thinking now? At seeing the perverted smile on Hermit’s face, Wren has only one urge beat the disgusting smile off his face.

 "Now then, how about some training before you go?" The hermit merrily said as he expectantly waits for Wren to be openly delighted at his benevolence.

Wren instantly agrees with her instincts and turns on her heels fleeing rapidly into the hills. Within moments, the hermit has caught up to her and drags her back by the collar. Wren numbly allows her to be dragged back as she knew resistance was futile at the moment.

 Hermit deposits Wren back at the cottage as he sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. “I suppose I have frightened you and you don’t realize the glorious offer which has been extended to you. I understand you must be exhausted and don’t have your full senses. Go and rest in the cottage, tomorrow training starts," Hermit kindly stated.

Wren nods her head obediently as she gathers her travel bags and heads into the cottage. Before she even opens the door, Hermit seemingly guesses her thoughts and says, “Don't even dare think about escaping.” Wren snorts with disdain and slams the door shut behind her.

The hermit grins ruefully at the campfire as he smiles at the child’s tenacity. Cheerfully whistling he douses the fire and heads past the cottage and into the cave plain. It was going to be an exciting day tomorrow, he just couldn’t wait!

Wren sighs dejectedly at being unable escape her fate as pulls her blanket over her head and resigns herself to be subjected to Hermit's whims. Curling up, Wren clutches her pendant in her hands and falls into a deep slumber.

A bright blue sky stretches in the horizon as puffy white clouds move slowly across the sky. A much younger Wren lays on the soft, lush, green grass and points out familiar shaped clouds such as a bunny shaped cloud that makes her mouth water at the delicious sight. Suddenly, her father's face suddenly looms overhead efficiently blocking her view of the delicious sights.

Wren mildly protests at his actions, but Zarris ignores them and tenderly pulls her into his arms. Zarris carries her up the gentle slope, before resting against a leafy oak tree. They sit there in silence as Wren sleepily nestles in his arms as Zarris softly murmurs, “You’ve done so well on your own and I am so proud of you.”

Wren lets out a faint sound of protest as Zarris softly coos, “Now go to sleep, I’ll keep overwatch you for tonight.” Letting out a soft sigh, Wren closes her eyes as she is rocked to sleep in her father’s arms.

Wren jolts up wide awake at the unfamiliar surroundings as she cautiously observes her surroundings. The events of yesterday some almost like a dream, but the cottage was proof enough of their transpiring. Wren yawns and stretches her arms up in the air causing her body to stretch in grateful relief.

Sniffing the air, Wren’s stomach grumbles at the delicious scent. Swiftly climbing out of bed, Wren properly does the bed and hurriedly braided her hair. Wren vigilantly exits the cottage and eyes the blazing fire pit that has a large pot gleefully bubbling away. Failing to spot Hermit, Wren’s face visibly brightens at the thought of the Hermit tragically having gone missing. And as if in reply, Wren feels a small prickle on the back of her neck as she sadly sighs and turns around to see the deranged man standing behind her.

Hermit sweetly smiles and holds a basket full of clean vegetables. Hermit walks over to the pot and swiftly chops the vegetables into the pot. “I caught fishes in this morning and I thought that a lovely fish stew would be a good way to warm the bones,” Hermit mused out loud. And as if forgetting all about Wren, Hermit cheerfully hums a little tune, “Blacks socks the more that you wear them, the blacker they get-, sometimes I think I should wash them, but something inside me keeps yelling, Not Yet, Not Yet!”

Wren ignores the Hermit as the tune speeds up every time. After a while, Hermit stops singing and uses a wooden spoon to taste the soup. Hermit lets out a satisfied sound and says, “Perfect,” before grabbing to wooden bowls and serving the fish soup.

 Hermit hands Wren her bowl and spoon as Wren carefully blows on the soup to cool it down. Taking a sip of the soup, Wren lets out a happy sound and begins to eat. Hermit mostly watches Wren as he takes a sip of his soup here and there. Wren ignores Hermit’s perverted gaze and tries to only focus on her food, before getting up and serving herself another bowl.

After the third serving, Wren contently lets out a satisfied sound as Hermit mumbled out loud, “Goodness, you eat a lot.” Wren sniffs to herself deeming Hermit unworthy of her attention as she purposefully rises to serve herself another bowl.

Hermit wilts at Wren’s actions and sighs to himself at his graciousness as a magnanimous host. Hermit finally perks up at Wren finishing her fourth bowl of soup and self-importantly says, “Good, now we can start! Now, I won’t have much time to train you as I have prior engagements to take care and I am certain that you do as well.” Hermit paused and ponderingly mutters, “Of course, I could postpone that and move that to later and I would have more time to spend together.”

Wren does not panic at Hermit’s words and sneers at hermit as she flatly says, “Such an honorable man such as yourself would never break their vows. I’m certain that a wise, noble man such as yourself wants to set a good example to his student.” Wren strongly hints at the Hermit with her eyes that a busy man as himself should give on training her and clearly go on his way.

Hermit eyes Wren with mixed feelings. For one, he really wanted to make this little ogre clan head his personal disciple, but he really did have things to take care of. Secondly, he had the distinct feeling that the child’s words weren’t sincere. And lastly, he was certain that if given the chance his precious pupil would bolt at the mere mention of being taken away to train at his side.

Sighing with regret Hermit rubs the back of his head with his hand. "Well, seeing as we are short on time I will do my best to teach you in the that we share together," Hermit optimistically said as frustration and annoyance can clearly be seen on Wren’s face.

Hermit continues, “Now since we only have a limited amount of time, we will force some of your innate abilities to awaken. Now I am sure you are wondering, how? Very simple, a Life and Death scenario!”

Wren’s face darkens at Hermits perverted face as he says those words. “Sicko,” Wren thought in her mind as she confirmed Hermit’s fetish. According to the girls of the brothel this man would clearly fit the category as the type of patron who enjoys machoistic tendencies and is clearly classified as an S!

Hermit has no idea of Wren’s inner thoughts as he says, “Now there are some innate abilities that need not be forced such as bloodline magic. If you did indeed inherit them, they will naturally awaken on their own within the next three years. To force them otherwise will not only weaken your body but may cause you to even die as your young body will not be able to handle the sheer strain.”

Wren does not react in shock as she clearly recalled the toll the blood magic had on her father, before his death. Wren grimaces and says, “I understand that fact very well. And though I am eager for power I am not that eager to plunge to an early death.”

Hermit blinks in surprise at the mature response. “Now, then let’s first start off by testing your vampiric heritage.” Wren’s face wilts as Hermit swiftly adds, “For now, I just want to see what you may have inherited.”

Placing his hand on Wren’s forehead, Hermit says, “Hmm, you didn’t inherit much from your vampiric heritage if not actual weaknesses. I’m sure you already know, but you have a natural talent for mage craft and part of that talent steams from the vampirism side that gifted you the non-chant magic ability. Other than an innate resistance to mental, charm, and illusion’s, you did not inherit any of the abilities for charm nor for mind control, but you did inherit illusion magic.

Also, there are two unusual unawake abilities that I can sense Levitation and Camouflage. Levitation won’t be able to make you fly, but you will able to walk on the ground without leaving footsteps and be able to glide from area to area. As for Camouflage, it enables one to erase one’s presence including one’s heartbeat, breathing and scent. However, I must say, the amount of weakness you gained is quite severe when it comes to light and sun magic. I can safely assume that the brightest part of the day hurts your eyes and burns your skin quite a bit, am I correct?”

Wren nods in reply as Hermit sighs, “Well, at least you didn’t get a penchant for blood, that’s always the worst. Any who, let’s see what else that we have here?” Hermit continues to examine Wren and finds the usual unique Ogre Clan Head lineage, immense strength. Though unlike regular Ogres Wren’s strength would become monstrous as she grew. In the olden times, Ogre Clan heads were said to be able to crush even mountains. Who knew, maybe, with time that would prove true.

 Hermit brows furrow at sensing the corrupted carrier trait that signaled blood magic. He had earnestly hoped that was not the case, but Wren was rather unfortunate in his eyes. Half Blood-Elves almost always went mad, but maybe, whatever anomaly in her father’s blood that enabled him to maintain his sanity would have been passed down to her. And if so, there was a very small chance that Wren would retain her sanity. For now, all Hermit could do was train her in hopes of the best.