This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  ( This was my first story, the chapters are quite short and eventually become regular lenght. I will add some elements but the structure of the chapters will remain as they were years ago. Enjoy!)

  Our story begins in a foreign land far far away in the northern countries. In a world where the mystical art is often practiced and kings and queens rule as gods. There was once a young girl, who lost everything because the world took it from her, so in return she took everything from the world.

  Her name was Isabella Tsorf, she was a young woman working as an herborist in a secluded forest. Around twenty seven years of age, hair as red as the most flamboyant of flames. She would often get looks due to her ethereal beauty. She had that modest beauty, the imperfections on her face were like a cloud on a painting, natural, a simple detail only complimenting the perfection that was the canvas. She often would get visits from the people in the town nearby asking for some of her plants and ointments. People never stayed long as she was uncomfortable around pretty much everyone. That was one of the reasons she chose to stay far from people, animals were easier to understand, animals don't lie or cheat, they simply follow their instincts. People were thinking she was an odd young woman "what is such a lovable looking lady doing alone in the woods without a man to even protect her from the creatures out there ? " they would say. The woods were known to be the residence of many dangerous creatures, not your average wolf or bear but things much much worse. Creatures of magical nature often preying on travelers unaware of the danger of the forest. And there she was, pale woman, skin as clear as porcelain, hair as red as the brightest fire ever lit. Women were seething when their husbands could not stop looking at her, one of the many reasons women wouldn't want to stay too long in her presence either. But there was more to it than just her beauty, she had a secret. A secret she had promised she would try and take to her grave as if anyone was to ever find out about it, her death would be preferable to the fate awaiting her. She was a witch, witches were common and in the country she was in, away from the war, it was not illegal to be a practionner of the magical art. But she wanted to hide it nonetheless, she didn't want to stand out more than she already did.

  On a cold morning in the beginning of autumn, walking on her favorite path to collect herbs, she stopped to listen to the forest. A light breeze made her shiver a little bit but the feeling wasn't that annoying, the cold was a good sensation. To her it meant she was alive, she could feel. Letting the cold air in her lungs she kept focusing on her surroundings, leaves were falling on the ground around her, a stream nearby was slowly making its course down. Her eyes being closed she kept listening and when she opened her eyes she almost fell backward due to how surprised she was by what she was seeing. A tall man in a hood with a bow and a quiver full of arrows was standing just a few meters away from her. " He wasn't there a few seconds ago, I didn't even hear him walk " she thought to herself. She collected herself and she noticed he had a bag that seemed quite full. After living so long in the forest her senses were sharp to catch the slightest of smells and this one was easy to recognize : blood. The man smiled at her from under the hood and slightly bowed his head.

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  " Sorry my lady I didn't mean to startle you, I was just going back to the village with my catches"

  The man lifted his hood to reveal his face, probably in the hope that she would be more at ease. She was looking at the man's face meticulously, trying to take each and every detail. She couldn't quite tell how old he was.He didn't seem far from her age, just had a rougher life which explained his tired traits. His eyes were gray which was not an eye color people of this region often had. His bow was not his only weapon. At his belt he was carrying an impressive set of knives as well as a long dagger hidden behind his back. He had a slander build and while he spoke to her she understood why she could not hear him. it's as if he was barely touching the ground when taking a step. His short black hair was messy, she didn't understand why he was smiling so much. She was used to men smiling but not like this, other men had more of a grin or gaze of lust but his smile felt ... warm. She remained at a carefull distance and pointed to her left.

  " No one ever comes to this part of the forest, the quickest way out is this way. "

  " Thank you milady, may i ask what you are doing in such a place and alone ? " he asked, tilting his head to the side.

  " i'm just getting some mushrooms and herbs. "

  " Oh you are the one herborist I keep hearing about! Well it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. "

  She didn't like him, he was way too nice, way too polite, she was suspicious of smiling men more than anything. She didn't return his salutation and walked right by him.

  " I told you where to go, now I must get going, good bye "

  She hoped her dry attitude would just push him away.

  " WAIT! " he screamed. " I don't even know your name! "

  She turned around and to her surprise he seemed really troubled by her

  " Isabella "

  A look of relief appeared on his face. As if knowing her name was the answer he had been searching for a long time.

  " Isabella " he repeated. It was like those words were a precious belonging to him now. " I'm Richard, Richard Regeaj, I'll see you around Isabella "

  " I hope not " she said as she turned around to keep walking.

  Behind her she could hear Richard walk away. Proof that when he wanted to be heard he could be. She walked past a few of the herbs and mushrooms she was seeking in the first place. She was still distracted. As she was walking down her usual path, she catched herself smiling more than she had ever smiled before.