• There was a crunch of leaves as a handsome buck picked his way through the forest. The Time of Falling Leaves had arrived, but after a comfortable Time of Warmth, there were still plenty of berries to be found. The buck bent down to reach at cluster of shiny red berries when the crack of a twig set him on alert. He glanced all around, looking for the predator, but his search came up empty and he bent back down.
    Lamya scowled, knocking an arrow. She was far too clumsy for her own good-constantly alerting prey and enemies alike. Torren had even told her that she was the noisiest pupil he had ever taught. But today she would prove him wrong; today she would bring home this buck, and her family would feast. And so before she could startle the beast again, she loosed the arrow. Her aim was true and the buck fell to the ground, his scarlet life seeping onto the woodland floor.
    Satisfied, Lamya stood up from her crouch behind the bush and trotted over to where her catch lay dying. As she had been taught, she pulled a dagger from the sheath at her hip and slit the creature's throat, aiding its passing. As she bent down to pick up the buck, she caught sight of her reflection in its blood and grimaced.
    How she would give anything to be fair and lovely like the light elves! With their soft white skin and flowing blond hair, they were the most beautiful and revered creatures in the woods. There wasn't a human alive that could resist their loveliness; but this was not so for dark elves such as Lamya.
    Oh, no-the humans would never think of her as anything but a monster. There was no doubt that she was beautiful, with her light purple skin and hair the color of midnight. But it was her eyes that were monstrous; they glimmered with bright silver light that was said to be the sign of the devil himself. It was all horrible superstition, but because of it, her people were condemned to the darkest part of the forest, where they were never allowed to see the light they so longed for.
    But enough of this foolishness! Lamya chided herself. While you sit here wishing to be one of the Light, your meat is getting cold. And indeed, the buck had indeed begun to chill. Lamya sighed, scooping up the creature's body, and-praying that her father wouldn't be angry at her for her dawdling-headed home.