Jade lived in Fawshwi Province on the western edge of the Chee Kingdom. Beyond it lay deserts and mountains--and the western barbarians. Periodically, the latter raided the farms and villages of the province, burning, looting, killing and raping. No raids had occurred for years and the people of the province grew fat and lax in their vigilence. Two weeks ago, they had hit Jade's family farm and carried off the eighteen-year-old. What followed was a nightmare of degradation as she was repeatedly raped and beaten by her abductors. Last night, after all of them had fallen into a drunken stupor, Jade slashed the throat of her most abusive tormentor with his own knife and escaped. She did not head for her home. Although she was pretty sure that most of her family had survived the raiders, she was certain that they would be reluctant to embrace her. They would do so, but she would be a perpetual source of embarrassment and shame--a useless economic burden because she would bring the family no dowery. She was "damaged goods" and no longer a woman any man would marry. No, Jade wouldn't go home. She had another destination in mind. Along the shores of Lake Hueai lay the ruins of an old temple. In the old days, before the newer peaceful religions were embraced, the temple was dedicated to the Mother-God in Her warrior aspect. Jade limped her way through the dark night into the next day, followed by a second night. She stopped only to briefly rest and find water to drink. The next morning, Jade found the ruin, which was nearly overgrown by a thick copse of sumac. She staggered up the steps and sank to her knees. Jade vowed to follow the Great Mother, to find someone to teach her the fighting skills she would need to be a great warrior, that she would use these skills to right the crimes that men committed against women. Jade remained kneeling. She was faint with hunger and had no idea where to find something to eat. She wondered if the Great Mother even existed anymore--and, if She did, had she even heard the vow. A rustling to her left caught Jade's attention, she held still, allowing only her eyes to move toward the source of the sound. An adult ratdragon emmerged from behind the vegetation. It stopped and sat up, staring quizzically at her. Then it slowly walked over beside her and rose up to gently touch her arm. Are you okay? it seemed to be asking. Although very young ratdragons will willingly bond with humans, it was rare for a fully grown wild ratdragon to interact with humans; yet this one had responded to her acute distress with an empathy far greater than any she would have received from her family or village. It was small comfort--small furry--comfort, she corrected with just a flicker of a smile. Jade reached out and touched the small animal with its big brown eyes staring intently at her. Incredibly, the creature did not shy away. To Jade's astonishment, it snuggled up againt her and began gently licking her bruised arm. Jade reached down and stroked the ratdragon's thick fur. You are a sign tht the Goddess heard, she thought. Jade laughed quietly to herself. It also occurs to me that She has sent me my first teacher. I need find food and this little fellow is going to show me how to find it. She gave the ratdragon a gentle pat. The creature did not flinch away. It settled itself closer against her body and licked her hand. Credits: Sumac: Modualz's "Flora Vol 1 - Sumac" with textures by Judith Ward. Grasses and flowers: Flinx. Ratdragon: modeled by ElectricAardvark, texture by Lyne Masamitsu. Temple: Figure: Aiko3 realistic with Jade "pain" textures. Lotus hair. Pants: LynX pants. Top: A3 Lotus Tank Top. Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. Comments are welcomed. Jeremy