"Young girl, you mustn't treat anyone badly. Human or beast, all merit compassion and courtesy. Remember the stories of the elves and their benevolence." Leonard says as he strokes my hair. 

"I'm sorry. But Nola annoyed me first, I promise! I was getting back at her, that's all." I answer while puffing my cheeks.

He picks me and sets me on his arm. He smiles but his beard hides most of his lips. But I can tell because his eyes are the kindest to me.

"Here, these are candies from Marda. It took some persuasion, and she ended up giving me a bargain. Forgive me for not doing more but I hope you enjoy it. Happy birthday to my dearest, Hestia."  He says. I sense regret in his voice as he puts some candies in my hands.

"I can't believe it! Marda's sweets! I haven't tasted them in forever, I adore them so much! Thank you, Leonard! You're the best!" I exclaim with enthusiam and affection. His eyes flicker a bit with surprise but his smile widens even more.

As I'm about to bite into one of the candies, he grasps my hands and says, "Remember to make a wish, Hestia. Magic is wonderful enough that wishes can become true. Today is your day."

As I shut my eyes, I begin to wish for many things. To be wealthy enough to support my father. To grow powerful as a future magician. To be renowned as my father. I keep thinking but then, a tap on my head jolts me. I open my eyes to see my father's clenched fist knocking at my head once more.

"What's the hurry, Leonard! I have many wishes. Let me think!!" I protest as I try to pull on his beard. But he persists on tapping. With every tap it becomes more irritating and slightly painful.

"Hestia, don't forget to tap on your head a few times before wishing. It's part of our tradition." He says, still smiling but he is beginning to inflict pain on me.

"Ouch! What tradition? What are you talking about!?"

His taps turn quicker and quicker. More agonizing. I yell at him to stop but he doesn't relent. Then everything fades to black.

I open my eyes and see a blackened body before me. A huge bird perches on it and it pokes at me with its beak. I wake from my slumber, and I panic and swing my arms at the bird until it scurries away. I'm still here. I'm still in this grave. I hug my knees to my chest and dig my face to my legs.

I have no idea what time it is in the morning but the sun is high and bright. There are scavenging birds everywhere, tearing at the bodies. Some were eyeing me from the top of some ruins. 

"Ha, so much to feast on but you are hoping I'll drop dead. Didn't enjoy the taste of burnt flesh, I suppose." I mutter to myself.

I stand and shout at the crows, "Dream on! You'd have more luck attacking me!". I grab a stone from the ground and hurl it at them. I still recall the strength I had but the stone barely reaches this time. And they seem unbothered by me.

I frantically scramble for more stones but I trip over a body and smash my face on the dirt. The flock of crows erupts in caws, mocking me. I try to bring out tears but I'm dry. I abandon everything and start to leave the center. I have to escape this nightmare.

Some of the flames are still flickering but most have faded. I reach the front of the village and cross the gate that once stood there. I take one look back. It's all burnt to the ground. I scout further at the hill where my cottage lies. It's distant and hidden by the trees but I see that it's intact. The raiders must have overlooked it. I consider returning but there's nothing for me here, or there.

I say my final goodbyes and take the trail to the deeper ends of the kingdom.