Solvi vividly remembers the night when the vikings first attacked.

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On the fateful evening, Solvi’s parents walk to the meeting hall to relieve Cadea and her husband from their watch. She always liked to go along and join them, and today was no different. As they walk hand in hand to the meeting hall, Solvi askes questions about the village and the object they are protecting. She never gets any real information about it though.

Inside the Meeting Hall is a large room, meant for all the elves to be able to gather and share information. Off to the left side, there are three doors, the first is an office type room, the second is where the elders stay, and the third hides the Life Seed. The door is simple, yet very sturdy and heavily locked. Passing through the door, a wave of energy hits; part warm and healing, part harsh and defensive.

Walking in, Solvi runs to Caeda as soon as she sees her. With a running leap, she flops into her arms.

“Well hi there Sol. Are you here to be a guard too?” Caeda laughs and lifts her up. Solvi’s legs swing out behind her.

“Hi, Caeda. How's it going today?” Naexi asks.

“All quiet, as usual. But, we decided that we want to start trying for kids; I think we’re ready.” She can't help but smile at the idea of having a little one of her own. Her husband, Darun, holds her hand and smiles.

“That's amazing to hear, I’m so excited for you both!” Naexi runs forward and wraps her best friend in a big warm hug. Her eyes well up with small tears.

“Thank you, Nax. And make sure you train this one to be the best guard of them all.” She ruffles Solvi’s hair as they leave.

“We will, and good luck,” She calls after her. Then turning to Tagen, she says, “I’m so happy for them. This will be the start of a great time for them.”

“Yes, it will.” He smiles and places a hand on her shoulder.

“Mom, how do I get to be the best guard? Do I get to fight anyone? Is it boring being a guard?” Solvi rattles off more questions while sitting in her little chair, swinging her legs aimlessly.

“You might need to fight someone someday, but probably not. I like being a guard, I get to spend more time with you and dad, I never get bored. But if you want to be the best guard, then you have to learn how to be calm when things get chaotic and always stand your ground. There are some out there who you won't agree with, but you can't write them off right away. Even if they seem like your enemy, you need to treat them as living beings first.”

“Ok, Mom. I’ll be the best guard in the whole village, I promise.”

“That’s my little girl. I’m proud of you.”

“Thunk!” A loud sound echoes through the empty meeting hall.

“You stay here with Sol, I‘ll go see what it was,” Naexi says, walking toward the front door.

“There shouldn’t be anyone coming this late, be careful.”

“I will, I’ve got my bow just in case.” She picks her bow up from the ground next to the door. She holds it in one hand while opening the door with the other. Peering out, the night isn't so dark anymore. Flames erupt from the houses around the Meeting Hall, creeping closer. Naexi backs up, closing the door softly.

“What is it? What’s going on out there?” Tagen asks.

“The whole village. It’s on fire.” The words little more than a whisper, but he still heard it loud and clear. He opened his mouth to speak again, and the door burst open.

“Hello there, Little Elves. I think you have something I want here.” A behemoth of a man walks into the Meeting Hall.

His clothes are made of brown fur and leather. Two bands of black wrap around each of his forearms. Looking higher, an angry red mark spatters his right eyebrow in a messy arc. An intimidating aura follows him into the room and swallows up the air. Solvi stares at him with squinted eyes trying to intimidate him. He laughs when he sees her little face all squished up in a mess that only comes across as cute.

Naexi steps forward, placing herself between the monster and her family.

“Leave now, I won’t be asking again.” Holding her bow high, she draws back on the string, ready to fire at the slightest movement.

“Ya can try to stop me little elf, but I know there’s somethin’ good in here, I can feel it.” He moves closer and Naexi takes one breath in and a slow breath out. The arrow buries itself deep into his thigh.

Pausing, he looks down at the arrow in his leg, breaks off the shaft and throws it to the ground. His movements are heavy now, but he doesn’t stop.

The middle door opens. One of the Elders comes out with a large sword, held with such a grip that his knuckles turn white.

“What is going on out here? Are you three okay?” He asks.

“We’re good, but the village is on fire outside, and this giant is going to be a problem.”

“Tagen, stay with Sol, keep her safe. Naexi, I will join you in this fight.” He positions himself on the left of the man, ready to fight.