A once lovely day turned to tragedy. How it came to this, she couldn't say. None were expecting it. There was no avoiding it; they were outnumbered ten to one.

She saw them racing towards them like a sea of darkness ready to swallow the light. Their eyes, yellow and full of malice. They carried scimitars and lances that looked as evil as they did. Their guttural roar of rage would forever stain her mind.

Screams. That was all she heard as her mother hid her in the tree. She kissed her then, tears running down her porcelain cheeks. She begged her mother not to leave, but she only shook her head.

"You must be strong, Rhavaniel. I love you always."

"Don't go, naneth..."

"When they are gone, you run and do not look back. Your father, brother and I will be together again, my child. Never give up hope, for that's all we have."

Those were her mother's last words before she ran from her child, only to be swallowed by a wave of darkness.

Destroying her life forever.