The beginning of the Saga of Anterra - IN PROGRESS

Her parents were dead. She was a child and she was alone. Grai-El, the tribe's elder and healer, took it upon herself to watch over Anterra until she could be assigned a function within the tribe. Or, if she had her way, she would be sent to Ilthrae, the academy for elves who show aptitude for the natural arts and the ways of combat. She couldn't tell with certainty yet, but Grai-El had a strong feeling about this young elf. She exhibited more maturity and skill in many ways than young elves already in training.

First, she placed the youngling in the dormitories with the adolescent students, who were all at least twice her age. She settled in quietly. Every day, the young elves clamored down from the trees and did what they were told. She fit in well and flourished in her new surroundings. But she never forgot why she was there.

Anterra excelled at her history and other classroom learning. But it was in the battle arena that she found her calling. She was agile and quick. She was also fearless. That made her a formidable opponent to both male and female elves. The females learned to fight in case of large scale assault where they may be needed on the battlefield. When it became time to choose, or have chosen, one's function or position within the community, the elves then went off to a more specialized training, apprenticeship, guidance, and the like.

Anterra thrived. She also began to grow tall and strong. She got to be as tall as the boys in her classes, where they were considerable years her senior. She was looked upon with favor and respect by all. Very few knew her history, but everyone could see the fire of determination and passion flash in her eyes.

Grai-El watched Anterra exceed her expectations and surpass the majority of her school mates in both academic and combat skills. Arrangements were made for her to complete her classes. She was now able to spend all her time bettering her combat skills. She was quite adept with the wooden sword, continued to improve her swordsmanship, and was now becoming accomplished with the bow and arrow.

She recently received her bow and arrows with the rest of her peers during the ceremony that marked passage from childhood to young adulthood. Daily practice was now part of the everyday regimen. She was excited to learn a new skill.

It did not go without notice that Anterra was quickly becoming the one to beat in sparring matches and archery practice. She was able to fend off two and three opponents at once with her sword, always fighting intelligently. She could hit a target squarely with her arrow, both stationary and in motion. She was humble in her accomplishments and the other elves felt at ease coming to her for advice. They asked about her footwork and her ability to stay cool in a conflict. They asked her many questions, most the young elf could not answer because she was merely acting upon her intuition when she fought. It was if the whole world slowed down a little. She was able to see her opponent's next move before he or she even thought of it. But she showed them anyway, her peers. She wanted them all to become their best. Her competition was one from within.

Grai-El would have Anterra to her cottage on the forest floor from time to time. There, they walked  the forest and spoke of esoteric ideas and tangible matters. Her depth of empathy was astonishing. Although the elder was eager to accelerate her teachings, she remained pragmatic, knowing that slow progress and the natural unfolding of elf wisdom was more important to Anterra's development than haste could afford.

She was becoming the youngling that Shalheira, the tribe's wise elf maid, had envisioned during one of her full moon trances many sun cycles earlier. Not long after, the discovery of a small survivor among the remains of a viciously murdered family.

Anterra was barely a moppet when they found her. She was in shock but, other than that, unharmed. Grai-El was called to attend her with tinctures and herbs. She wouldn't speak, would not make eye contact with her nor anyone else. Several days in, the healer noticed the young elf swaying in rhythm to the song of the forest. She noticed her observant eye when it came to spotting the creatures of the wood. And she saw how the animals had no fear of her whatsoever, in fact, came right to her as if to greet her. And she greeted them.