Another short timeskip, and a new girl!

(Change to Marianne's POV)

I panted as I looked behind me. I think I had lost my pursuers. But I didn't stop hurriedly moving down the game trail. The marauders had come suddenly, in the night. My village, my former home, was now burning to the ground and I and many other villagers had been **** to flee or be killed. Or, in my case, and that of the other village girls, worse, then killed.

I was mildly scratched up from the tree branches I had brushed by, and my clothes were torn, but I felt safe for the moment at least. I then felt a strange sensation course through my body, and shuddered. It actually felt pleasant, and I sighed in contentment. It was strange, like all my cares had suddenly evaporated.

I turned on the path, feeling drawn to a particular direction, and walked towards said direction. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew that I had to be there. I paused as I exited the treeline, and saw a castle up ahead, with a half built wooden wall. It seemed to be calling to me in some way. I didn't feel like questioning it much, but I hesitated briefly, weighing my options. I had no way of knowing if the residents were friendly or not.