She stood on top of the snowy hill, staring at the full moon and wondering what could have been. The wind disturbed her cut hair and threatened to knock her down if she didn’t take the same down as she did up. Linia glanced down at the huts and tents that marked her captors’ village and wondered how far she would go before they’d send the pit wolves after her. Linia shifted the basket of fruit she was carrying, turning back to the moon, putting off returning to that village of filth. The mountain winds were rough, and Linia loathed how similar they were to winds at home. She loathed everything about this place and these people. Screams yanked her out of her thoughts and then she heard a howl accompany the sounds of metal clashing. Someone was invading. The pit wolves would either go after them or her. Linia dropped the basket and began to run, cursing the skirt she was made to wear. The moon guided her steps as she struggled through the thick mountain snow, panting after only a few moments of running from the work required. Another howl split the night, closer than the sounds of battle. Linia could see a tree, lonely and barren but high and safe ahead. She only had to beat the wolf pursuing her. Linia stumbled as a harsh growl broke through the cold air, sounding as though it was only a few feet behind. Linia stumbled into the tree and reached for the nearest branch as the snow crunched behind her. Linia turned to face the beast, pressing her back against the trunk as she struggled to catch her breath. The pit wolves were savage beasts, tall and lanky monsters with teeth too big for their mouths. Slobber dripped out of their mouths constantly and they were covered in scars, wounds, and blood. This one was no different, with a faint trail of pink snow behind him and only half a lip, it growled savagely. Linia stared at it, unable to look away from certain death. It lowered itself, pushed its back feet into the snow and a spear between its shoulder blades pinned it to the ground. Linia stared at it, unable to register what had happened until she heard a male shout go up. Linia looked up and practically melt at seeing the flag of her people. Linia stepped around the dead pit wolf and hurried towards the banner, and the men holding it. She recognized her father and let out a cry of delight, leaping into his arms. The chief wrapped his arms tightly around his daughter with a deep sigh of relief. Family together again.