Ambika leans against the mossy oak, fingers tracing the carved runes on her war-axe. Dawn paints the forest in gold and violet; mist curls around her tan shag. A squirrel chitters—she grins, maroon eyes crinkling. Her light stocky frame tenses, not with threat, but readiness.
“Mornin’, world. Let’s see what trouble’s ripe for pluckin’.”