The Sudden Attack

The sun filtered through the dense leaves of the forest trees, letting golden rays shine upon the fresh green grass. Birds chirped melodiously, and a gentle bleating could be heard from behind the fence. Right beside it stood a small wooden cottage with a garden and a wooden fence, nestled among towering, ancient trees.

Melenda was stirring a pot over the fire, watching as the soup bubbled. Her long blonde hair was tied in a loose braid, and her pointed ears twitched slightly as she heard one of her goats bleating outside. She turned and looked out through the small round window.

"Alright, Clover, I’m coming!" she called, wiping her hands on a towel and heading outside.

Melenda smiled softly as she looked at Clover with her amber eyes. Without saying a word, she opened the gate, letting Clover out into the lush grass.

Life was quiet, peaceful and simple, just the way Melenda longed for it to be.

She had lived alone in the forest for over a century. In general, her kind — the elves — preferred a slow-paced life. Although she was 237 years old, Melenda looked like a young woman in her twenties. Her days passed caring for her garden and animals, reading books, and knitting little jackets, which she would sell at the village market.

“I should get ready soon,” she said, glancing at the clock.
Today was market day.

Melenda carefully gathered the clothes she had knitted, along with a few jars of honey. She placed them in her large basket. Just as she was about to leave through the door, she paused, as if remembering something. She turned back abruptly and went to her wardrobe, grabbing her bow. She slung it over her shoulder before stepping outside. It was her habit to always take it with her, because you never knew what might happen. The forest was usually calm, but you always had to be prepared. After locking the door, she took the path to the village of Glindale.

The trail wound through trees and tall grass. The air was filled with the scents of fresh flowers as she made her way down the path. Though she was quiet and introverted by nature, she did enjoy going to Glindale from time to time.

When the village finally appeared on the horizon, Melenda stopped for a moment. She always felt out of place among the lively, outgoing youths who chatted endlessly. She took a deep breath and continued walking.

The market buzzed with life. Merchants shouted prices, villagers bartered goods, and children laughed as they played. Melenda quietly set up her stall near a fountain and arranged her jars of honey and the handmade clothes on display.

She was just about to sell a jar of honey to an elderly dwarf woman when a scream rang out.

She turned immediately toward the sound and froze at what she saw.

A massive wild boar, foaming at the mouth, charged into the village. It had large yellow tusks and black eyes. Panic swept the crowd as people screamed and ran. Though frozen in place, Melenda could feel her heartbeat pulsing in her throat.

The guards hadn’t arrived yet. And the village was in danger.

The boar lunged toward a young elven girl who had stumbled. She shrieked and began crawling, unable to stand.

Without a second thought, Melenda rushed forward. She hid behind a building’s wall and readied her bow, drawing an arrow and taking aim. She relaxed her shoulders and fingers, taking a deep breath as she focused on the target.

For a moment, the world seemed to pause.

The chaotic noises of the market disappeared in an instant.

Thwip.

The arrow struck the boar in the belly. It roared, turning to glare at Melenda, now even more enraged.

But nothing could shake her. Her calm gaze and steady breath held firm as she drew another arrow.

Thwip.

This time, the arrow hit its shoulder.

The beast charged straight at her.

Melenda dashed to the side, her light footsteps taking her into an alley between two buildings. She turned and climbed onto a low roof. From up high, she had a clear view.

Thwip.

An arrow pierced the creature’s eye.

The wild boar collapsed with one final roar of pain and fury.

The marketplace fell into stunned silence. Then, slowly, the villagers emerged from their hiding spots, eyes wide, whispers spreading like the wind.

“She killed it.”
“She saved us.”
“I know her...”
“Did you see how fast she moved?”
“…she’s the girl who sells honey at the market. I didn’t know she could fight!”

Melenda lowered her bow, her breath trembling even though the danger had passed. She climbed down from the roof and approached the girl on the ground, her knees scraped, eyes full of tears.

“Are you hurt?” Melenda asked, kneeling beside her.

“No... You saved me,” the girl said faintly.

Melenda gently stroked the girl's back. “What’s your name?”

“Ailith,” she replied. “I just arrived in this village.”

Melenda reached out her hand in offering, and Ailith took it with trembling fingers, whispering a soft thank you.

The guards finally arrived, drenched in sweat, glancing around in alarm.
“It’s already dead?” one of them asked.

Without saying a word, Melenda simply walked back to her stall, packing up her things. Ailith followed behind her like a small shadow.

“Can I walk with you?” Ailith asked. “You live in the forest, right?”

Melenda looked at her and nodded.

“I don’t really know anyone around here yet,” Ailith added. “And I’ve never seen anyone aim like you before.”

“Thank you,” Melenda whispered shyly.

The two began walking side by side, leaving the village of Glindale behind. The birdsong brought peace to the heart, as if the forest itself was recovering from the earlier surge of aggression.

Melenda glanced at Ailith, who had just begun talking about her life and interests, and how much she loved little goats.

A gentle smile appeared on Melenda’s lips.

Maybe… life didn’t always have to be lived alone.

Maybe… fate had decided that her quiet routine needed a little change today.

Maybe… just maybe… this was the beginning of something new.