First Time for Everything

Made by Zirconia567

Work in progress

Chapter 1:
The forest is full of noises.

Some are made by animals.

Some are made by plants.

Some are made by the elements.

Some are made by humans.

But mixed together, it doesn’t matter where, who or what it comes from.

Except when it does.

Alceme fixed her burning brown eyes on the deer in the clearing in front of her. The women surrounding her were as silent as death, so Alceme thought is was wise to follow their example. Tension was hovering in the air like a hummingbird trying to decide which scent to follow.

One woman, who Alceme remembered as the warrior Berilla, let out a small caw.

The other hunters around Alceme raised their bows. The girl did the same. As one, the group reached behind their backs and as one they each pulled out an arrow, sharp and lethal. They swiftly strung the arrow and drew back the bowstring.

Alceme licked her parched lips and adjusted the fingers that held the bow. At the other end of the circle of woman warriors, Berilla nodded at her. Alceme took a deep, silent breath and spread her legs into a more comfortable stance,

Alceme let the arrow fly.

The deer shrieked in agony and buckled, it’s blood pooling on the grass around it.

Berilla yelled in triumph and pushed her way through the brush, bow in hand. Excitement ripping through her veins, Alceme followed.

“My, isn't he a beauty,” one woman marveled.

Berilla grinned and kneeled down next to the carcass. “Yes he is. You did a wonderful, clean job, Alceme.”

Alceme drew herself up and smiled

But who was this Alceme? Alceme was an Amazonian girl near the age of sixteen. She had long, ebony black hair and dark bronze skin. This was the second time she was ever allowed to make a kill by herself, and naturally she would be nervous. The first time she was allowed, it turned out a disaster. Alceme still drooped in shame whenever the subject was brought up or remembered. “There’s a first time for everything,”  her mother had said.

But now Alceme was only glad that she had made amends.

Berilla slung the deer over her shoulder and called to one of the other hunters for help. Just as one, named Jaepida, started to hurry forward, Berilla stuck out a hand and motioned for everyone to freeze.

Jaepida stopped her tracks.

Berilla