Four days later.

Location: Unnamed village.

Marianna looked around her office, it was a simple room made of wooden planks much like the rest of her home. Besides the single desk that sat in the middle and a few chairs for guests the room was completely bare.

“One day I should decorate this place.” She posed a scenario to herself but knew that it would be the next chief to take on large scale tasks in the village. Every ten years the village would have a vote and elect a new chief to lead them, fondly remembering the 9 long years she had spent working for the village she could not help but feel a tinge of sadness at the prospect, after all it was agreed that no chief could ever serve twice.

A brisk knock from the only wooden door of the room signaled the messenger she had been waiting for had returned.

“Enter!” Trying her best to hide the anxiety in her voice she called out to them, watching closely as the door swung open. A younger woman entered the room, her slender figure and pale skin standing in stark contrast to her long black hair. Marianna hesitated momentarily as she looked over the young women.

Which one of the twins is she?

Finally deciding to simply guess she addressed her.

“Ah Serena, what news do you bring?” Waiting, she watched the girl's reaction, silently thanking herself she had guessed correctly as the girl nodded.

“We had two groups return. Claire's group returned with several good hides she claims that after the hunt they ventured into the white woods, but only spent the day there. No new information came from her venture, just the same growth on the plants and animals as before.”

Mariana nodded as the women spoke, she had expected as much from the report, ever since the white growth had started, they had found nothing hinting at its origins.

“And the second group?”

“Mika's....she uh…reported something of worry.” The girl paused between her words, choosing them in such a way as to avoid the subject.

“And what would that be?” Mariana could feel her heart quicken as anxiety once again took hold of her, ever since this disease had taken root in the woods it seemed only bad news ever made it back.

Did it spread past the barrier again?? We will have to burn more of the woods down to halt its advance….

“Well…they found another group's campsite…or what remained of it.” Serena’s voice had grown sullen as she spoke, as if more bad news was to follow.

“What do you mean remains? Were any of ours found?!” Mariana tried to keep her voice steady as she pressed the girl for more information.

We can’t handle any more deaths!

“They…found no bodies, but claim the area was bathed in blood, the tent had been ripped apart and shredded, and the girls bags were taken as well. Some clothing was found…it looked like Tara's group, but they could not confirm it due to its condition.”

Shit…just what we need, I swear on the mother I’m going to be known as the single worst chief ever for our village….

“Anything else?” She asked the girl, praying that no more bad news would be waiting for her.

Shaking her head Serena answered quickly “No, that was all. Tara’s and Shoji’s groups have not returned yet….I will notify you the second they do…Do you need anything else?”

She contemplated the girl's question, only to pause as a loud bang resonated through the building. Someone had thrown the front door open fiercely and the clambering of their footsteps could be heard rushing through the house.

“Wait here.” Mariana got up from her chair and approached the door just as it tore open, the girl rushing into the room narrowly avoided crashing into her as she entered.

“I have news!!” The girl nearly shouted as she jumped up and down. “Good news!”

Pausing, the girl looked over at Serena, both girls had a nearly identical appearance.

“Sis! You’re here too!” She beamed brightly as she addressed her sister, ignoring the chief now waiting for her report. “Tonight we will have to prepare a good meal!” She reached out grabbing her sister's hand, swinging it back and forth excitedly.

“Excuse me!” Having enough, Marianne interrupted the twins, “What is this good news Serene?”

“I’m Serena” The girl answered quickly, causing a slightly embarrassed look to appear on her sister's face.

So she let me think she was Serena the entire time…

Throwing the two an annoyed look and secretly cursing their mother for naming identical twins Serena and Serene, she motioned for her to deliver her report.

“Shoji and Luna returned!” The girl announced triumphantly.

“And?” Mariana could feel her annoyance growing at the girl's airhead behavior. “What else?”

“What else? They returned…with a male!” Serena clapped excitedly as she spoke.

What?!? A runaway perhaps?!

“Where did they find him? What race is he?!” Mariana’s mind raced with questions as she spoke, this was exactly the kind of event that could turn things around for their village.

A finders fee on a healthy slave could afford us a stud for a couple of years, we could even buy some much needed supplies as well from Felhold!

“I’m…not sure what race he is, certainly a demi human. He even had horns, maybe one of the lizard species?” tilting her head slightly she pursed her lips as she spoke. “I’m sure the exchange at Felhold can find out where he is from though!” As she spoke, she reached out and firmly grabbed her sister's hand. “Let’s go Serene! We can get a look at him as he pulls the cart through town!”

“Pulls the cart?” Mariana cut the girls off before they could scurry out of the room. “What cart?”

“Oh I didn’t tell you? They had a good haul hunting too! I guess they found one of the old trading carts and packed it up, and his race is strong too! He is pulling it even with the animals in there!” skipping around her, both the girls weaseled their way through the door “We have to hurry if we want to see him! It’ll be a party tonight!” as the girls disappeared out the door she couldn’t help but fondly smile. This was great news that seemed to chase her worries away.

I should go get a look at this man myself!

Walking back to her desk, she quickly put away the papers she had been looking over. “Looks like the next chief might even have enough to decorate this old office” Smiling to herself she abruptly turned and walked out of the room, anxious to meet the man who would save their village.