Eren's spear angled defiantly upwards, poised to meet her adversary's imminent strike. Beads of sweat traced their paths over her furrowed brow, a testament to the tension that electrified the air around her. Every sidestep she took was a deliberate step, a cautious dance that drew her incrementally closer to her rival. Their eyes locked, each acutely aware of the other's intentions, each heartbeat echoing the anticipation of that crucial moment—the moment that would decide their fate.
A resolve as unyielding as steel surged within Eren. The determination etched into her face was mirrored by the gritting of her teeth, a silent promise that this time, Gabriel would not claim victory. His spear lifted, an arc of threat descending upon the slight figure before him, devoid of any hesitation.
In a heartbeat's flash, Eren reacted, instincts bypassing thought as she manipulated the spear's length to intercept the unforgiving metal, sparing her delicate features from its cruel embrace. The impact reverberated through her arms, trembling with a mixture of exhaustion and the knowledge that this contest was nearing its climax. The end loomed, an inevitable eventuality that tasted bitter on her lips.
Summoning reserves of strength that she wasn't sure she had left, Eren employed Gabriel's momentum against him, a skillful dance of body and weapon that saw him falter and stumble forward. The sight brought a glint to her eyes—a victorious momentary smirk that whispered, Good.
With her heart racing and sweat mingling with dirt on her brow, she surged forward, the tip a singular focus aimed at the core of her adversary. Victory was within grasp, tantalisingly close, and Eren's pulse pounded in tandem with her charging steps.
Then, a gasp of air transformed into a choked cry as the world seemed to twist around her. The earth met her back with an unforgiving embrace, the shock leaving her momentarily disoriented. In that breathless pause, Gabriel's free arm extended—an eerie apparition, a spectral hand manifesting to pin Eren with an otherworldly grip.
His eyes, once familiar, now radiated an unsettling white glow, casting an ethereal luminescence that pierced the shadows. The pressure of the spear against her neck was a subtle yet potent reminder of his advantage, an unspoken promise to maintain restraint, the threat of violence hovering ominously.
In the gripping silence that followed, Eren's struggle was not only against the ghostly grip that held her, but also against the relentless current of time. The conclusion of their battle was suspended in uncertainty, an unresolved symphony of determination and desperation, the crescendo yet to reach its zenith.
“Do you yield?” he asked. A large brown wolf came up to his side. Its glowing white eyes matched Gabriel’s. His wolf sat down, its head was a few inches above Gabriel’s.
Eren groaned in defeat and released her spear. He removed his from her neck.
“You left yourself open, Eren,” he said while holding his hand out to her. The calluses on his hand were only a sign of how often he trained.
“I’ll win next time.” Eren stood up, refusing to accept the hand that was offered to her. She brushed the dirt off of her pants. “Besides, you cheated. You used the bond of your wolf to strengthen yourself. I thought we agreed not to use that until I was stronger.”
Gabriel scoffed, disappointed at the way his student acted. He crossed his arms over each other. “You expect a fair fight in the event that we might get attacked?”
Eren took a step backwards. “No… I suppose not. I just expected you to fight fair when we are simply training.”
“You’re strong, but you need to be stronger. The other girls have had three more years of training than you. If you want to be a part of the guard, you need to step up your act.” He grabbed Eren’s spear and held it out to her.
She took the spear, gripping it tightly. “You say this every time. Maybe not those exact words, but definitely every time.” The reinforced wood felt right in her hand. With a few practice swings, she sighed. I’ll become strong enough to protect mother. “I should head home. Mother wants me to cook tonight.”
“Cooking is a good skill to learn.” He placed his hand on her head, messing up her hair.
She laughed slightly. “Thank you for training me again. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Eren looked up at Gabriel and whistled loudly. A white bellied wolf, smaller than the brown one, came running to her side, causing her to smile. A soft chuckle arose from the bearded man.
“Goodbye, Spirited One.” Gabriel turned to the wolf. “Take care of her, Isla.” He scratched behind her ears.
Trees arched over the rough path that Eren walked over. The wildlife quieted as the grey wolf weaved through the trees. One wrong move and a rodent or a bird would be dinner for the young beast. She smiled as her wolf brought over a stick. The wolf’s body shook with the wag of her tail. Eren chucked the stick, watching as it flew through the air. It didn’t take long for the stick to return, only this time it was soaked in slobber. Isla sat down in front of her, waiting for her to chuck it again.
“Isla, we don’t have time to play. Mother needs me to cook.” Eren kicked a small rock in front of her as she walked past Isla, receiving a whimper. “Hurry up.” If that wolf could talk, I’d get my ear bitten off in a different way. She chuckled at the joke that she would never get the chance to share. Even if someone did hear it, would they laugh? She looked down at her hands. Maybe if I wasn’t the youngest candidate for the Chief’s guard, I’d have more friends. I’m not as favoured as the others think.
Isla raced in front of Eren, only to sit in her way again, looking up at the girl with bright eyes, begging for the stick to be thrown. Eren sighed in defeat. This wolf is tenacious. Maybe that’s why we work so well together. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Last time, and then we race home.” She took the stick in her hand and then chucked it. It landed on a rock a decent distance away. Isla looked up at Eren expectantly. She nodded, and the two were off, running towards the stick. Although Isla reached it first, it was still fun to race against her. Eren knew that unless she tapped into her connection with Isla, she would never beat the canine. The wolf wagged her tail as she jogged in front of Eren.
Eren closed her eyes and imagined the feeling of freedom that Isla must experience, running free in the woods. The way the wind must course through the wolf’s fur. The way it feels to tear through an animal’s life. It must be nice to live your life so freely as an animal. You don’t have to worry about trivial things like how you look and talk.
A new strength began to course through her. The muscles in her legs felt stronger. It feels as if I could run for a thousand miles at my top speed and not get tired. She looked at Isla, who was far ahead of her. A white glow emitted from the wolf’s eyes. So this is what it is like to connect with the wolf? Free. Eren caught up to the wolf in no time as she ran. In tandem, the two weaved through the trees, avoiding any objects in their path. The wind blew her hair backwards. The feeling could only be described as euphoric. The pieces of a puzzle fell into place. While she lacked physical strength, she was now fast. She leaped over a stream and smiled.
The run came to an abrupt stop as the camp came into view. Teepees were in rows that created a circle around a large totem pole. At the bottom of it was a ram, at the top was a white wolf, representative of Stellina. Large tables were being moved out to surround the totem. Smoke rose from behind the pole. The largest fire of each month had already been lit. Bile rose in Eren’s throat as dread came over her. It had to be tonight of all nights.
Isla rubbed against Eren, an attempt to comfort the trembling girl.
“Thanks, Isla.” She placed her hand on Isla’s head, stroking the soft fur. You got this, Eren. It’s just cooking a meal for a feast. The speed and strength Eren had felt from the connection with the wolf dissipated. She took a hesitant step forward. Each step felt like a mile. She glanced back down at the wolf, who was simply content with heading back home. You don’t even have to worry about how others react to your cooking.
In her head, she could hear the sneers the other teenagers would make as she walked by. Her clothes were caked in mud. She didn’t look like someone ready to compete for a place in the Chief’s guard. Eren lowered her head and sighed. The knots that formed in her stomach tightened and twisted. The smile she had earlier was replaced with a frown.
She stood in front of the entrance to her village. Home isn’t that far away. If I just keep my head low, I’ll make it home without any problems. She glanced up at the smoke filled sky. Everyone in the camp was preparing for the feast, and Eren was late. Mother isn’t going to be happy. I promised her I would be on time. A sigh escaped her lips. She looked down at her feet as she trudged along the dirt path. The scent of various meats being smoked filled the air, reminding Eren of her impending doom.
"Oh, look who finally returned," the familiar voice of the one person Eren hated called out, a taunting cadence lacing each word.
"Not today, Aria. Mother wants me to help her cook a meal for the feast tonight." Eren's response was measured, a veneer of casual indifference masking the simmering animosity she harboured. She moved past Aria with a deliberate stride, a subtle hope that this encounter would remain uneventful.
Aria's retort followed, as cutting as a blade honed to perfection. "Not like anyone will eat it. You burn everything you ever make," she sneered, an acidic remark that stung more than it should.
The weight of the day's burdens bore down on Eren's shoulders. A glance toward Isla, her loyal companion, revealed the dog's readiness for conflict. Canines bared and a low growl rumbling deep within, Isla's loyalty was unwavering, an unspoken reminder that Eren wasn't alone in this.
"Well, maybe if you weren’t wasting my cooking time, I’d be better," Eren retorted, a spark of defiance flaring within her. The need to extricate herself from this confrontation was palpable, a desire to walk away unscathed.
But fate took a different course. Eren's intentions were upended as Aria seized her, hurling her to the ground with a force that stole her breath. Aria's triumphant stance loomed above, a power dynamic in stark display. "You really can’t defend yourself? The first rule of defence was always cover your blind spots," Aria's laughter taunted, a bitter reminder of the chasm between them.
On her feet again, Eren pushed Aria away, a momentary reversal of fortunes that earned her a mocking chuckle. "Don’t call me weak. I’m stronger than you’ll ever be," Eren declared, a declaration fueled by desperation as she clung to her semblance of pride.
Aria's retort was swift and unforgiving, her eyes aglow with an unsettling light. The barrage of punches that followed were relentless, a display of power that left Eren scrambling to evade. Isla's presence loomed as both comfort and threat, a reminder of loyalty and a warning against overstepping boundaries. "Don’t," Eren whispered to her companion, an instruction muffled by the onslaught.
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In a moment of distraction, Aria's grip on Eren's hair brought her crashing to the ground once again. The pain was searing, a physical manifestation of the power disparity between them. Aria's boot struck Eren's stomach with brutal force, each blow an affirmation of her dominance. Eren's struggles were futile, a pitiful attempt to reclaim control.
Amidst the pain, Eren's voice pierced the air in a raw scream, a plea for mercy or salvation. Isla's hesitant advance was halted by Eren's command, a plea for restraint in the face of escalating violence. Help materialised in the form of two hunters, their intervention a timely reprieve. Aria's grip on Eren was finally shattered, the balance of power temporarily disrupted.
“What the hell are you two doing?” the hunter that was holding Aria said..
“Showing her that her place is in the ground,” Aria jabbed.
Eren growled in frustration. She opened her mouth to say something but couldn’t come up with words to insult Aria.
“So that’s why she is in this condition? Especially the night of Stellina’s feast? You should know better than this as her elder,” the guard that held Aria countered.
“Oh… uh-” she stammered over her words, unable to find the right thing to say.
Eren smiled, enjoying the view of the flustered Aria.
“Go home, both of you,” the other finally spoke up. “And you, Aria, don’t do anything like this again.”
Eren watched as Aria was released. Her eyes followed her movements all the way to the teepee she slipped into.
“Will you make it home alright?” He supported the trembling Eren,
“Yeah… I’ll be fine. I’m used to this.” Eren wiped her nose and pushed herself out of the hunter’s grip.
“I’ll be reporting this incident to the head of the hunters. They deserve to know that you’ve been treated like this again.” He turned around. “You’re strong for how young you are. I hope you make it into the chief’s guard. They need more people like you.”
Eren looked at Isla. She had her tail tucked in between her legs. Her hand touched the soft fur of Isla and ruffled it. She was just grateful that Isla did not join in on the fight. Aria may have attacked with the power of her wolf, but it would have only provoked her more had Eren used Isla.
Chills travelled down her spine. Eren turned around her, only to see Aria glaring at her as she walked by.
“You’re dead.” Aria’s finger trailed under her chin as mouthed the words. She looked behind her, only to see Aria glaring at her from her home. Eren turned around, ignoring the chills that went down her spine. Maybe Stellina can strike her down and fix her attitude problems? A soft chuckle escaped her lips. She stopped at a teepee. Do I really want to go in?
Isla nudged her hand.
“Yeah, you’re right. I should go in. I’ve already delayed enough time.” As soon as she slid the tanned leather flap open, the smell of a stew struck her. Her eyes met her mother’s. She knew she had disappointed her mother- the sad look on her face said it all. The fire warmed her as she sat beside it. She looked at the brown stew, picking up the ladle on the side. She stirred it idly. Various vegetables floated to the top, moving with Eren’s stirring. The smell it emitted was heavenly. It was the smell of beef and a variety of seasonings coming together. There weren’t enough words in the world to describe the scent. She brought the ladle up to her lips, tasting the stew. Although spiced, it was missing something. She set the ladle back down and watched as no meat came up. Just like how dad made it. She smiled. Tears pricked the edges of her eyes. A sigh escaped her lips. Her shoulders sagged.
Her mother walked out from behind a closed off section of the teepee, nodding in approval. The simple nod caused relief to course through Eren. Some of the knots in her stomach settled. Eren rose and walked over to her mother.
“It's done. Anything else you need help with, mother?” Eren asked.
Her mother stared at her as she braided her hair. “No. You’re free to go wash up. Next time you’re late, you will not be allowed to train until I say so,” her mother responded.
Eren nodded. She collected the clean clothes that were picked out for her. She arched an eyebrow in the direction of her mother and scowled.
“Do you have a problem with what I chose?” her mother asked.
“No…” Eren sighed and took the dress into her hands. She opened the flap of the teepee again, scanning the area for any signs of Aria prowling about. Once the path was determined to be safe, Eren ran out of the home and around. Isla followed after her. The duo moved quickly through the camp. Eren didn’t want to run into any more problems today.
The sun’s waning light reflected off of the surface of the river. Small streams stretched towards the camp. Isla jumped in each stream, spraying mud everywhere.
Eren growled. She was lucky enough that the mud missed her clean clothes. I can’t imagine how mother would feel if they got dirty. “Isla! Stop!” The wolf sat down immediately. “Tonight is important. I have to look nice, otherwise, mother will suffer more.” She knew that yelling at the wolf was wrong. It wasn’t like she understood the severity of the situation.
Isla’s head hung low to the ground. Her paws trudged through the muddy streams.
“I’m sorry Isla. Tonight is just too important for play,” Eren said as she patted the wolf’s head. She wouldn’t let her mother be shamed any more ways.
The two arrived at the crystal-clear river. Blue-grey stones smoothed over by the current made up the bed of the river.
“Isla, let's wash you up too.” The wolf jumped into the river. Eren stripped out of her clothes soon followed after. She scrubbed the wolf’s fur, grimacing at how much hair covered her hands. “You really needed a bath.” She laughed as Isla shook all the water off of her. Once finished, scrubbing the dirt off of herself, she left the river.
The dress was a comfortable fit, just not preferred. Strange to be wearing a dress when I’m training to be a guard for the chief. Eren looked up at the moon and smiled. Stellina can be seen soon.
“Come on, Isla, let's go.”
=====
The grand feast sprawled out, a tantalising array of sustenance that stretched across the entire tribe. The hunters, having secured their place of honour, claimed their seats with a sense of satisfaction, indulging in portions of boars, rabbits, and even the humble squirrel, relishing in the spoils of their pursuits. Amidst the feast, mixed greens passed from hand to hand, a token gesture to balance the indulgence, yet scarcely did they linger on anyone's plate. An unspoken aversion to vegetables seemed to persist, an ingrained stubbornness that defied even the admonitions to abandon pickiness.
At a prominent corner of the table, a cauldron of soup cast its steamy spell, filling the air with its aroma. One among the ranks, bearing a ladle in hand, dipped it into the bubbling cauldron, the cream-coloured sustenance cascading into a wooden bowl held in readiness. As the ladle surfaced, mushrooms tumbled in, adding an earthy richness to the concoction. A grimace momentarily marred the diner's features at the sight of the fungi, a silent testament to a personal aversion. The filled bowl found its place once again, the hunter retaking their seat with an air of reluctance, a minute detail in the symphony of the feast's communal revelry.
Eren walked up to her mother’s side. “Will you be okay?”
Her mother set the stew beside the roasted boar. “I’ll be fine. Do not think of me as weak without him by my side.” Her mother’s hand trembled.
“We got this,” Eren whispered and grabbed her mother's hand, squeezing it in reassurance. She was happy to bring a small smile to her mother’s face, even if it didn’t last long.
“Will you let me put your hair in a half braid tonight?” her mother asked.
Oh, I knew this was coming. I just didn’t expect it so soon. “Yes,” Eren agreed. She didn’t want others to see her as childish, but she knew how much this action meant to her mother. Eren sat on the log. Her mother’s fingers massaged the scalp, before separating sections for the braid. First time without you, Da. Is Stellina treating you well? She clenched the hem of the dress, angry at the other hunters. Tears pooled at the edge of her eyes.
Her mother finished the braid. Eren tentatively touched it, reminding her of how things used to be. “Well…” Her mother sat down, shifting uncomfortably on the log seat. “Go enjoy the party. Try to make some friends.”
Yes, friends. The one thing I can’t seem to make within the tribe. “I’ll see you soon. You should talk to some of your old friends, Ma. They miss you,” she said before running off into the midst of the feast. She stopped to look back at her mother. Disappointed that her mother didn’t stand up and walk over to one of her friends, she sighed.
She shook her head, deciding to focus on the fire that enlightened the surrounding area. The flames danced while the smoke billowed far up into the night sky. It was surprising that it covered all the stars but the ones that made up the great wolf. A feeling of comfort washed over her as she stared at the twinkling light of the ten stars. The constellation stood under the moon, the mouth of the wolf howling at it. Eren raised her hand to the star, feeling some sort of calling to it. Some unexplainable thing drew her to the stars. I wish wings would sprout from my back and carry me to Stellina.
“One, two, three…” she traced the pattern of the wolf as she counted the stars, stopping at nine. “Wait, why are there only nine stars?” Eren whispered.
“What are you talking about? I see ten.” Gabriel came up behind her and sat down.
“Where is the tenth?”
Gabriel pointed to where the tenth star should be. It was there, but it was dimmer than all the rest. Strange. That’s not right.
Eren shrugged. “I guess I missed it. Maybe I’m tired.” She faked a yawn to sell her point.
“You’re not a very good liar.” He placed his hand on her head and messed with the hair again.
“Hey, mother just braided my hair.” She pushed his hand off.
“Been a long time since you even let her braid your hair. What’s different about tonight?” He leaned back.
“Nothing. I just felt like letting her braid my hair.” Eren turned her gaze back up to the stars.
"Yeah, you just—" His voice was abruptly swallowed by an ear-piercing screech that sliced through the air like a jagged blade.
Eren's heart hammered within her chest, a rapid rhythm that matched the adrenaline coursing through her veins. In the chaos that erupted, the bustling crowd surged toward the riverbanks, an unstoppable tide of concern and curiosity. It was a curious twist of fate that Eren and Gabriel remained untouched amidst the frenetic rush.
Hushed voices hovered like a sombre symphony in the air, an eerie contrast to the bustling fervour of the onlookers. Eren's eyes darted to Gabriel, the exchange of glances a silent acknowledgment of the task that lay before them. With synchronised intent, they rose from their positions, shoulders tense, driven by the urgency to find Eren's mother amidst the gathering.
Nudging their way through the throng, a living labyrinth of worried faces, the pair navigated toward the epicentre of the disturbance—the river, an imposing barrier that seemed to mock their desperate quest. The weight of the moment pressed down upon them, a reminder of the fragility of life and the helplessness that could accompany it.
“I’ll go right, you go left,” Eren's voice, a thread of determination, cut through the din. There was no room for argument, no time for deliberation. In her gaze, a resolve burned bright, the fierce ember of purpose that was shared between them. And without waiting for Gabriel's reply, she took her first step toward a reality that was darker and more heart-wrenching than they could have imagined.
Amidst the chilling stillness, Eren's eyes fell upon a sight that resonated with cruel familiarity—a flash of auburn hair, her mother's signature braided locks, a stark contrast against the grim tableau that unfolded before her. The pungent tang of iron and decay mingled in the air, weaving a tapestry of disquiet that wrapped around Eren's senses.
Desperation guided her actions as Eren shook her mother, attempting to shatter the daze that held her captive. The words were caught in her throat, a lump of anguish that mirrored the horror etched upon her mother's face. "Look," her mother's voice was a whisper, a mere wisp of sound that sent shivers down Eren's spine.
"Just tell me what’s wrong." Eren's words escaped, muffled by the trembling hand that covered her mouth, the very air heavy with a sickening scent that stifled her senses. Her mother's touch gripped her face, a gesture both desperate and grounding, redirecting Eren's gaze toward the river's sombre depths.
Her breath caught, suspended in the air, as the ghastly tableau unravelled—lifeless forms, a cascade of lost dreams, strewn like discarded relics upon the river's edge. Eren's voice stumbled, faltered, the words a fragile echo of the horror before her. "Are… are those bodies?"