A Story, by Dee. 

Everyone has something in their past that molds and shapes their future path, 
my life has been nothing different than that. 
Even I was young once, many years past, before my calling as a warrior, and a priestess. 
Even now this history colours how I've grown, what I've become and what I will continue to be. 

Ages ago as I grew, learned and played I lived in the comfortable Northern part of the 
world surrounded by the trees and animals. 
Harpers Landing was always a comfortable home, safe and secure for the most part. 
The Elven settlement to the north created a buffer to keep the Northern Orcs from attacking often 
and the large river provided safety to the south. 
There was naught to do but spend days swinging from the apple trees in the orchard under Chaplain Grimes 
disapproving stare. I'll never be sure why he disapproved of me, as I was only a child. 
Maybe, just maybe, he had seen a glimpse already of what I was to become after my childhood lessons where done. 

I was of the age of about 12 when I woke to the day breaking bright and warm. 
I was skipping down the dirt road, nibbling on one of Sally's cinnamon buns when I noticed a 
lone woodsman heading off to the southern forests for his day's labours. 
Naught having anything else pressing and more than willing to ignore my chores for a time I followed him off 
the dirt road and onto the trail into the hills. 
Everyone knew there was danger in the pine forest to the south but no adult would ever explain what 
inhabited the forests making all but the bravest village woodsman avoid the spot. 
Feeling safe at the tail of the woodsman's trail I boldly walked into the pine forest. 
Well of course you have to know how soon I lost the trail and became lost between the heavy green branches 
of the tall pine trees. 

I wandered amongst the trees for the better part of the morning I figured, 
until the sun came bright overhead seeming as though to touch the tops of the tall pines. 
Haunted with childish stories of what could be hiding behind the next tree I was quite quiet and careful as I moved. 
That's when I head the slight noises of another passing by. 
Finally, I thought to myself, I've found the woodsman again! 
And I had indeed found him, scurrying past the next group of trees I found myself on a cleared pass through 
the trees and hills. The woodsman disappeared behind another tree into a wooded glen. 
Following behind I headed for the glen as well. 

The trees had changed now, becoming more populated with great leafy oaks and beeches along with the pines from 
the forest I'd passed through. Thick grass covered the ground beneath my feet, and incredibly soft carpet. 
Amazement shone in my eyes and explored this new area, so close to where I'd spent my youth but so different. 
My ears caught the sounds of laughter and of wood pipes playing a happy song. 
I also caught the scents and sounds of falling water from the south calling to my thirst. 
Obsessed with the thought of quenching my thirst after traveling for so long I rushed without thought towards the water. 
I came quickly around the trunk of an oak and stopped short with shock at the sight before me. 

Nymphs, three of them laughing and splashing at the edge of the water. 
I'd only heard whispers of stories of their power over males. 
They were small, with bright blonde hair, and incredibly smoky eyes. 
Their trim bodies accented in bumps and curves I cant even begin to describe and not wearing a stitch of clothing. 
Tinkling laughter passed their lips and I drew my eyes away from the giggling trio to see the object of their mirth. 
The woodsman I had followed to this strange place had come to the lake as well and rested on a boulder at 
the edge of the water. What they did and what happened I won't say but I knew now what I wanted from life. 
The absolute adoration the woodsman showed, I knew I wanted and could have that power too. 
I don't know how I got back to the edge of the pines steps way from the dirt road back into my village. 
Enraptured by the sights before me, 
I do recall a gentle touch on my shoulder and a whispered voice in my mind saying, 'sleep'. 

My life changed that day, had a purpose and some talents to sharpen. 
I believe, though I've never had occasion to ask, that the Nymphs knew what lessons they were teaching me that day. 
I live now for the thrill of this game, exercising this power that only a woman can have.