Elven Trials

My name is Kaitlin.

I’ve always been a natural in physical battle—built tougher than most. My body’s lean and toned, but it’s my agility and flexibility that give me the real edge. I don't rely on brute strength. When the fight isn’t fair—and it rarely is—I use my golden tongue and quick wit to buy time. Time to find a weakness. Or a way out.

And when words fail?

Well, being a woman has its advantages. Being an elf, even more so. Among my people, I was considered stunning—even by elven standards.

I was trained to be the ultimate weapon for my city. But all the training in the world couldn’t prepare me for the day the Orcs came. They razed the city to the ground. Slaughtered my people like cattle. I barely made it out alive, slipping away through the city’s ancient catacombs. I escaped with nothing but my life—and a vow of **** burning in my chest.

My shelter’s nothing more than a lean-to, temporary by design. I don’t stay in one place long. All I have to my name is my leather gear and my blade. The sun warms my skin as I sit up. For a second, I let it remind me of a time before everything burned.

I roll off the cot and dress—leather fur, bracers, boots. I fit my sheath across my back, the familiar weight grounding me. People underestimate me when they look at me. That’s fine. It’s an edge I’m happy to use. I push open the door and step into the light, eyes scanning the horizon. Time to decide my next move:

I could head to the local battle ring—where fools fight for coin and others fight for the thrill. There’s always someone to test my blade against.

Or maybe it’s time to move on. Arias is the nearest town. If I’m lucky, I’ll find work. Or at least a lead.

Then again... maybe it’s time I take the fight back to the Orcs themselves.