All things begin at the beginning -- a leaf does not fall from the tree before it sprouts from the branch, the snow does not rest on the ground before it falls from the heavens, and the twilight moon does not shine in sky before the dawn of the day. All things begin at the beginning...

It is a young land, rough, unfettered, new. Many races co-exist in this land but some do not. It is a land for the hearty where hard work is rewarded by a simplistic life. Such was the desire of many but there were some who yearned for more.

A rustle of branches -- the young human child believes she is alone. She continues to forage the bush for the edible berries while trying to keep the village fires in sight. Another rustle, too late she turns to see the sickly gleam of a yellowed maw in the moonlight. She hears her own heartbeat for the last time, replaced by rough guttural laughter...

A rustle of branches -- the only precursor to the whistling of a glade shaft passing the traveler’s ear before the arrow thunks into a nearby tree. "The next will not miss; stand and step away," came the instruction from the nearby trees. The cloaked figure stood, but remained still in silent anticipation. The straining of a bowstring cut the silence in alarming fashion, "I said step away. I will not ask again!"

The reply came in a gravely tone, "I heard you the first time, though not as clearly as when you were ‘sneaking’ up on me. There is no need to repeat yourself nor spend anymore of your arrows.