Naomi observed Eren, their gazes locked in a repetitive and seemingly unending routine that had persisted for weeks. Frustration began to simmer beneath their expressions, hoping for a breakthrough beyond the modest achievement of lighting a solitary candle.

Eren's patience waned as she inquired, her tone laced with annoyance, "How much longer must we persist in this endeavour?"

"We can take a break for now." Naomi's eyes briefly diverted to the ram and the wolf, the unlikely companions immersed in playful romps through the lush grass. A rare smile graced Naomi’s face as they marvelled at the spirited duo. Surely, this had to count for something meaningful.

Baartholomew playfully nudged Naomi's shoulder, seeking their attention. Naomi affectionately planted their lips on the ram's muzzle for a fleeting moment, eliciting a roll of the animal's eyes. "I appreciate the love, Baartholomew! You're truly the best," they chirped with boundless affection. Eren's disapproving grunt offered a stark contrast to their exuberance. "I missed you too, Isla!" Naomi's voice was brimming with affection, mirrored by the wolf's exuberant tail-wagging, shaking her entire body with each side-to-side sway.

Eren, lost in contemplation, mused aloud, "She's grown significantly during her time here on the plains."

"Indeed, she's becoming quite the impressive specimen. Perhaps soon she'll stand taller than Baartholomew himself," Naomi responded, their words tinged with a sense of wonder and anticipation.

"Maybe." With that, the discussion came to an end. Eren strolled alongside Isla, heading toward the village that had been their home for the past few weeks. Eren had kept her emotions guarded since her arrival, leaving Naomi curious about her past.

Not wanting to be left behind, Naomi ran up to Eren, gently nudging her. "Tell me about your family."

Eren's gaze met Naomi's, her eyes reflecting a mix of reluctance and vulnerability. "Why?"

"I want to know more about the person I'm training," Naomi responded, their lips pressed tightly.

Eren sighed. "I'm being trained against my will.” She continued to walk forward. “My mom cooks the most amazing meals.”

Naomi raised their eyebrows. I wasn’t expecting this.

“She's against me learning how to use a spear. She wants me to stay home and find love within the tribe, to be like her," Eren said. A tinge of sadness lingered in her eyes, but she continued, "My father died about a year ago to the monster in the forest. He was my first teacher." A faint smile crossed her face at the memory.

"They sound lovely," Naomi said, raising their hand to pet Eren's head but then dropping it to their side. "Do you miss them?"

Eren's voice barely rose above a whisper as she replied, "Yes," her gaze drifting downward.

Naomi offered a suggestion, "You should visit your mom next week."

Eren's response was resolute: "I'd like that, but I can't. Not until that monster is dead." Her determination was evident in every step she took.

"Okay. We'll start training for several more hours now. Bring your spear tomorrow!" Naomi's smile was warm as they ruffled Eren's hair. With that, they ran the rest of the way to the village, leaving Eren with no time to protest.

Ascending the stairs to the slightly larger house of them all, Naomi paused before the door. "Tomorrow there will be a feast. It'd be nice to see you there," they suggested, their smile inviting.

"I'll see," Eren replied, her gaze shifting towards the house across from Naomi's. Isla sat patiently at the base of the stairs, her tail wagging eagerly as her companion approached. Once Eren was inside, Naomi entered their own home, where the embrace of their grandmother awaited them.

"Come, come, Reina, we have to get you ready for tomorrow." Their grandmother's hands clasped around Naomi's wrist, drawing them into a small room filled with scattered clothes.

She still doesn’t realise that mother is gone. Guilt churned in Naomi's stomach as they couldn't deny their grandmother's happiness, even though it pained them every time they entered this house. Smiling through their inner turmoil, they stepped into the cramped room adjacent to the kitchen, where a variety of fabrics lay strewn across the bed. Among them, the leather-wrapped white dress caught Naomi's eyes.

“What about this one?” Naomi gestured to the dress. It’s not really my thing.

“Oh! I knew you would love it, Reina!” She scurried over to the dress and picked it up. The leather bodice was snug around the waist. Their grandmother pulled the hem of the skirt out. “Look! It has your favourite design!” A slit in the skirt of the dress so it could be tied into pants if the occasion arrived.

Naomi smiled the best they could to prevent tears from falling. “Thank you, Grandma Serenia. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Naomi’s arms wrapped around Serenia, embracing her tightly. I’m sorry I’m lying to you. They pulled from the embrace. “I’ll wear it proudly at the feast.” Their boots slammed against the wooden floor as they rushed out of the room into the hallway. They swung the nearby door open, shutting it behind themself. Each breath they took to calm their nerves was just as shaky as their body. One foot after the other. Upon reaching their bed, comfort washed over Naomi as soon as they fell into it.Tears rolled over their cheeks onto the soft pillow.

“I’m sorry, Ma. I can’t tell her,” they whispered; their voice was raspy from the tears they shed. “I told her before and she turned into this. I’m sorry.” The bed comforted them as they lied down. They brought their knees up to their chest and hugged them tightly. Naomi shut their eyes tightly, sleep washing over them immediately.

Their eyes fluttered open. They sat up and looked out the window, admiring the last bit of light the sun gave off. The sunset was a nice shade of vermillion that reminded Naomi of the wild poppies that they picked with their mother. A smile coated their face. Sleep really did make everything better. The smile vanished as soon as they heard a knock on their door.

“Who is it?” Naomi called, masking their frustration

“It’s your worst nightmare,” the familiar voice of their dad called.

At least it isn’t Grandma. I don’t know if I’d be able to handle talking to her tonight.

He entered the room, giving Naomi a bear hug immediately.. “How’s my lemongrass doing?” He tightened his grip.

Terrible. “I’m fine!” They smiled. “Grandma Serenia made me a dress to wear for tomorrow!”

“Oh, but you hate dresses, don’t you?” His eyebrows arched in confusion.

“I do, but she put so much time and effort into it that it’d be a shame not to wear it.” They scooted to the edge of the bed, swaying their legs above the floor.

“As long as you’re happy with this decision. You don’t have to wear the dress. There’s pants and shirts you can wear instead.” He released his child from the embrace and grabbed the brush on the nightstand, bringing it to Naomi’s strawberry blonde hair. The feeling of the brush was soft. Naomi’s shoulders relaxed.

“Thank you.” Naomi shut their eyes and slowed their unsteady breaths. “I’ll wear the dress. I think mother would be happy to see me in such an outfit.”

“She’d be happy to see you in an outfit you love as well. It doesn’t matter to her what you wear as long as you’re happy.” His fingers weaved through their hair into a five stranded braid. “You have your mother’s hair and personality. I’m here for you.”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Naomi watched as their dad moved off the bed and to the doorway.

“I love you. Supper will be ready soon.”

“I love you too,” Naomi said. They rose to their feet. “Do you think I could invite Eren over? She seems to miss her home.” I hope he says yes.

“Of course. They’re a guest of this tribe, and it’d be nice to talk to her again.” He grinned. “She’s got a good head on her shoulders.”

Naomi rolled their eyes. “A hothead is only a good head in your world.”

“You wouldn’t have your apprentice any other way.” He had a knowing look in his eyes.

“You’re right. I wouldn’t. She’s a good cookie.” Naomi walked over to him. “Thanks dad. I needed this.”

“I’m glad I could help.” He turned towards the sun room. His hands moved up to his eyes. “It means a lot that I could help you,” he said before entering the sun room.

Naomi walked past him, opening the door to the outside. The fresh smell of grass filled their nose. I’ll never get tired of that smell. “I’ll be back soon!”

“See you and Eren soon,” their dad called back.

Naomi greeted the ram that was right at the doorsteps. Baartholomew nudged her gently, before setting his head back down on the ground. “Did you miss me, Baartholomew?” The brown of his eyes disappeared as his eyelid covered it. Hmph. “Isla is coming over tonight!”

Baartholomew’s head jerked up.

“She’s really grown since she’s been here. She was like a quarter of your height and now she’s as big as you.”

His nostrils flared.

“Come on. Go talk to her. You like having a play mate since all the other sheep get scared off by you.”

Baartholomew rose to his feet and towered over Naomi. In a few steps, he made it to Eren’s house. At least she’s right across the street.

Isla’s quiet yips were loud and clear as Baartholomew and Naomi got closer. Naomi was a good distance behind him, but they waited at the front door as Baartholomew snuck to the backyard. They brought their hand up to the wood door and knocked on it. It should only take five seconds for Eren to get out here. Five, four, three, two, one, zero. Naomi half expected the door to just swing open, but it didn’t. They looked back and saw nothing.

“Baart! Isla!” they called. The door swung open, hitting Naomi in the back. They stumbled backwards. The tip of a metal blade touched their neck. “It’s just me, Eren!” Naomi threw their hands up. Slowly, they turned their head to look at Eren.

“I thought you were…” Eren trailed off as she rubbed her temples. She looked uneasy since the last time Naomi saw her, which wasn’t very long ago. Her spear lowered from Naomi’s neck, bringing relief to them.

“Is everything okay?” Naomi cocked their head to the side. Their eyes looked over Eren. She donned the leather armour she entered this tribe with. It was broken from the last encounter Eren had with that thing, but she wouldn’t let anyone repair it. Naomi had offered to fix it up whatever way Eren wanted, but all they got was a glare. They’ve asked Eren a few more times, but got the same response.

“Yes, I’m just tired.” Eren brushed back the stray hairs that blocked her vision. Naomi thought of it as a strange habit when they were so small. They weren’t even given a proper response when they questioned why Eren put the effort into moving those tiny hairs out of the way.

“You probably wouldn’t like to come over and eat food with Dad and I then?” And Grandma. Naomi forced a smile.

“I’ll pass this time. If you bring food over, I wouldn’t object. Serenia makes the best meals,” Eren said. A yawn escaped her lips, yet something seemed off about it. She covered her mouth this time when she yawned.

I won’t worry about it. It’s probably nothing. Tons of people cover their mouth when they yawn. Naomi nodded. Except her. She doesn’t do that. I’ve seen her when she’s tired. She doesn’t waste time covering her mouth to let someone know they’re tiring her out.

“I’ll see you later then,” Naomi waved goodbye. They expected to see Baartholomew behind them, waiting to head home, but he wasn’t there. Isla’s yips from earlier were replaced with the sound of playful growls. It sounds like he’ll be there awhile.

Naomi walked back over to their house. They stared at the door, debating if the dinner was worth going to. They knew they’d just be called their mother’s name throughout the dinner, and their father would have that heartbroken look in his eyes. Naomi knew what was expected of them, to handle the grief all by themself. They couldn’t share with anyone that it wasn’t fair how everything in the family fell onto their shoulders. They clenched their fists together. Their brows furrowed.

Everything is going to be okay, Naomi reminded themself. They cracked open the door.

“I’m worried about Reina, Naohman. She’s cracking. I can see it. She doesn’t even look me in the eyes. Why won’t she look me in the eyes?” her grandmother asked. A sob soon followed the question.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause this much pain.

“Reina-” Naomi’s father started. Is he really going to tell her? “Reina isn’t here anymore. She’s been gone for a while, Mom.” His voice was quiet and gentle.

He told her… Was that really the best thing to do? Naomi bit their thumb nail. They weren’t sure what to do, enter the house and help their father to deal with his mess, or leave and spend time with Baartholomew and Isla. There was clearly a right decision to make, but it scared Naomi. It could just end up being another responsibility that falls onto their shoulders. What happens when I become chief and I juggle all of these things? The thought scared them. Their shoulders sagged. Their whole body ached. It’s not fair.

Naomi turned back to Eren’s house. Her door was cracked open too, yet all the lights were off. What’s happening? Naomi rushed to Eren’s house. This is something I can deal with now. They pushed through the open door. Nothing happened. No spear pressed against their neck. No Eren yelling at them for disturbing her peace. Nothing.

Their foot quivered as they explored more of the dark home. Everything about this is off. The sun was far enough below the treeline that none of its last bits of light seeped into the windows that lined the halls. Naomi turned into the hall, seeing that every door to all the rooms was open, yet there was no sign of Eren anywhere. Where could she be? Naomi headed back to the front of the house. Isla’s head was poking through the door.

“What’s going on?” Naomi asked her. The wolf tucked its head into its chest before jerking it back to the door. The door creaked open, yet no one was behind it. This is like those horror stories that mom used to tell me all the time. “Eren!” they called.

Baartholomew came back around to the front door with Isla behind him. Isla had an air of worry about her. Her ears were pressed back, and her hackles were raised.

“You’d know where she is, right?” they asked the wolf.

Recognition of what Naomi asked the wolf seemed to fill Isla’s eyes.

“Take me to her.” Their hands trembled ever so slightly. Please don’t be there. Please don’t be there.

Naomi leapt onto Baartholomew’s back, urging him to follow Isla. They focused on the rhythm of his trot rather than what they neared with each passing moment. It didn’t take long for them to be out of the confines of the Elka Tribe and in the open fields. Naomi recognised the path that Baartholomew was taking. The forest…

Unearthly screeches filled the air the closer and closer they got to the forest. It loomed over them like an impassable wall. From the corner of Naomi’s eye, they thought they saw movement. They held their breath as they slid down Baartholomew’s side. The leaves crumpled beneath their feet. Eren really went in there?

Isla trotted along the outer edge of the forest, turning her head back at Naomi. So she is… Naomi knew they had to enter the forest. They just couldn’t bring themselves to enter the forest. They wanted to run away.

Baartholomew nudged Naomi gently. They wrapped their arms around his neck. Each step felt like they’ve been walking for hours. Each one brought Naomi more pain as they continued their walk deeper in. This whole place was cursed at night. Naomi could feel it in their heart. Everything about it screamed that it wasn’t natural, and wasn't supposed to be like this.

“Take me in please,” they whispered.

The ram moved forward, slowly and steadily. The wolf paced ahead of the two. Naomi turned their head into Baartholomew’s wool.

Isla sat down with a heavy thud. Naomi peered out from behind Baartholomew. Eren’s unconscious body laid on the forest floor. As Naomi approached Eren, the trees began to shake. Naomi clutched her to their chest. Their ram approached them. They gripped his horn.

“Run,” Naomi commanded. He picked the two up onto his horns and ran. Naomi looked behind them, relieved to see Isla right behind them. The sight of the Sha’al’s evil smile crushed their relief as quickly as it came.

It pointed to Naomi. “You’re next,” it screeched. “Your time is nigh.”