“It’s November 23, 2015 and this is Charles Bright with the news.  The Sovereign have continued making great strides in their work and today unveiled their newest masterpieces.  You may recall the work they revealed last year, a fully cybernetic arm that worked better than a human’s arm and responded to human thought with such precision that it could do embroidery, upgrade the internal components of a computer and play piano to name only a few things.  Their newest creation is a line of cybernetic organs that are said to be able to work perfectly with little risk of being rejected by the body.  At this time the private faction is only making these items available to only a few people until they are fully tested.  Only time will tell how well these will be received.  And now for the weather with James Jacobson.”

-News Excerpt, Artifacts of the Dying Age

    The sound of her soft voice moved through the red painted leaves of the trees and she followed, stepping gingerly around brittle twigs and dry leaves out of mere habit more than anything else.  The voice she sought was singing a melody that she claimed was ancient and she found it hard to disagree.  From the sounds of it she was at the lake and it was to there that she went, her short brown hair catching small golden hued leaves as she went.  The canopy of tree limbs reached high over her, blocking out the light in dark patches until the bit that seeped through caught the dying leaves in a flash of scarlet.  A chill had begun to seep into the air but as of yet it had not become unbearable or had even come close to freezing the lake.  Autumn was dying however.

    Idly she rubbed her brown leather covered hands over her bare, sun kissed arms.  Deep in her heart she felt that it would be a rough winter.  Every year more people died as a result of illness or disease and even the Mothers could only do so much.  Food was woefully sparse and they survived on the little that they could find amidst the frost.  The women were having less children every year as well.  Even those who did give birth either gave birth to babes that died shortly after or had such deformities that they were nearly useless.  

    No eyes... no fingers... a gaping mouth without a tongue...  

    Emphatically she shook her head, unwilling to even think on her mother’s last child.  That one had been particularly harsh and had left its mark on her mother.  Last year they had 236 people in their village.  This year it was down to 171.  It was only a matter of time until that number sunk even lower, particularly with the grasping hands of Winter approaching.  Regardless, they all had their roles to play to ensure their survival.  That was all they could do after all.  Survive.

    The trees in front of her gave way and spread out before her was the lake, glistening in the pure and unfiltered light that fell on it, bringing a dark life to the furthest depths even as the surface shone like a mirror.  Trees broke through the veil, piercing the heavens with their height from their positions in various spots of the lake.  Some said that the the Great Mother had given them this lake, filling in the ground with water with no regard of the trees.
 
    “And I went down in the river to pray
    “Studying about that good old way
    “And who should wear the robe and crown
    “Good Lord, show me the way.”

    Her words were soft but concise, the passion behind them setting them aflame as she bent to pluck various weeds and flowers from the ground.  Her back was stooped with age and her hair and long since gone white but she still clung to the idea of being useful.  She was the oldest of the village known to all as Mama Marie.  She was the most respected and well cared for person and everyone worked together to take care of her, even if she was stubborn enough to do most things for herself.  An old grey robe clung to her, the edges frayed and tattered from age, small embroidered flowers on the hem trailing pieces of pink silk thread.  As she walked further into the clearing the woman paused in her singing and looked up, a small smile cracking her nearly nonexistent lips as she waved her over.

    “Ah, ‘ello there young’un.  Come to watch an old woman earn tha’ dinner, eh?”  She gave out a dry chuckle and waved her over once more.  “Well come make yerself useful then.”  Her deep Southern accent added a lazy tone to her words.

    She smiled and nodded at the woman, moving closer to the woman, holding her skirt out a bit as she dumped her findings in the fold that the tattered cloth made.  “Did you find anything interesting today, Mama Marie?”  

    The woman scoffed slightly and began to move off again, waving for her to follow.  “Jus the usual.  I did see a bird today so I reckon that’s somethin.  ‘Aven’t seen one out this way in a few months.  Was by itself though.  Big thing it was.  Vulture I reckon.  Ominous sign it was.  They be more rare these days but was a time when they only arrived if another life had been claimed by the Lord.  Not that any of these heathens believe that anymore.  Not that I blame ‘em.  Back in the Dark Days, He was our light.  Now these godless people have a hard time believing in anythin.  I reckon He could help them if they let him.  Bless their hearts.”

    She muttered as they stalked the edge of the lake, plucking more leaves and even unearthing plants to take their roots, dumping all of it in the pouch her skirt made, dirt and all.  Not that she minded.  A bit of dirt was the least of anyone’s problems.  It did interest her to hear the old woman speak, knowing full well that she knew more than most, if not anyone else.  She was the oldest.  She remembered the beginning of the end.  

    “What is it even that these young ones believe?  Spirit of nature of somesuch nonsense.  Bah.  They could use Christ in their lives more than some hippy creature.  Can’t tell that to them though.  Only a matter of time til they start becoming barbarians with sacrifices and dance about some fire nekkid.  Only a matter of time I tell ya.”  She shook her head in emphasis, mostly talking to herself.  Those of the village respected her and never disagreed with her opinions.  The religion the woman kept was an old one, one that had been abandoned by most as they felt that their God had abandoned them to this life.  She was young enough that she only knew what her village believed.  She knew a bit of Christianity but not enough to judge it’s merits for herself.

    “Why’re you here anyways?  Don’t you have your own duties to take care of?  I hear the Elders,” she frowned for a moment at her, her old brown eyes glistening with distaste, “are discussin sendin out a scout team soon.  I know you young’uns would be interested in that.”

    That was a surprise indeed.  Her eyes widened as she looked at the older woman, leaning in a bit.  “Are you sure?  Is that really what you heard?”  The thought gave her more excitement than anything had in a long time.  The idea of leaving the village to seek out the Ruins.  It thrilled her.

    “Are you thinkin I’d lie?  I’m just tellin you what I heard.  If it’s true then they’ll probably say somethin about it tonight.  Bless my heart you young’uns are too eager if you ask me.  Not worth the risk.  But I be guessin ya’ll think it’s gonna be an adventure.  Well that’s iffin you get chosen.  Considerin our last scout team didn’t come back I imagine they’ll be less willin to let a girl who’s at a prime age to begin birthin babes to be risked.”

    The idea of having a child did not bother her.  It was her duty and her honour to help the village survive by whatever means necessary, even if that involved having a child with the strongest man in the village in the hopes that the child would survive.  But the thrill of seeing the Ruins screamed in her veins.  She needed to see more.  There had to be more than simply surviving.  

    “I guess we’ll just see what happens, Mama Marie.  But come, I was told to escort you back to the village.  Dinner will be soon.  The Hunters caught a large deer today and are celebrating.”

    “They don’t think I can get back myself?  How feeble do they think I am?  Bah...  Come on then girl.  I’m done enough here.”  She gestured with one frail, clawed hand towards the same entrance she’d taken into the clearing and began walking.  With one of her own hands she adjusted the herbs and such in her skirt before trailing behind.

    “I hear they already chose the man for you.  And y’know this is the time of year that’s best for planting all seeds,” the old woman rasped out a chuckle as she rolled her eyes at her in amusement behind her back.  “Who knows, maybe tonight he’ll make his move.  I hear he’s a young stallion himself.  Not sure who it is exactly.  Guess you’ll find out soon enough, eh?  Ah, to be young again.”  She shook her head sadly, the wrinkles on her face and neck wobbling.  

    “Well I can only hope that he’s strong enough.  I need someone as strong as me after all,” she smirked at the old woman.  “And hopefully he’s a bit clever as well.  Seems both are in short supply these days.  Did you hear about Basil?”

    They chattered softly on their way back to the village, the whispers of the leaves the only other sound.  Mama Marie told them stories of creatures that used to hold dominion over the forest.  They were amazing stories of birds and beasts that could keep the entire village fed easilly.  She said in those days they were rarely hungry.  Some believed that the Great Mother had taken her children back into her arms so that they could escape the horror that the world had become.  Thus was why the villagers prayed to the Great Mother that she may also embrace them or at least give them food.  So far She had proven to be as deaf as Mama Marie’s God.  But they needed to believe in something.

    By the time they arrived evening had begun to stretch its cold fingers over the horizon, shooting brilliant colours across the sky that case a flaring light over them.  The moon had already begun to make itself visible like a bloody eye in the distance, watching them as they arrived at Oak Haven.

    The village was built from remnants of a life gone past.  Brick buildings were huddled together with wooden ones in a rough oval that spread from the courtyard in the center.  Like an infection they jutted from the center, an unorganised organism that had taken on a life of its own over the years.  Houses and storehouses alike shared the area.  Those that had been there the longest had rights to the brick houses while the younger ones and those who hadn’t proven themselves were resigned to the wooden huts.  She herself stayed in a brick house with her mother and siblings.  

    The trees pressed to the houses, cradling the village in the bosom of the Great Mother.  At one point the boughs allowed a gateway to be formed, the dying leaves cracking and falling every so often even as they approached, Mama Marie in front.  She trailed behind her, taking care not to allow any of the gathered supplies to fall.  It was apparent as they approached the arch that the mood of the village was high.  The smell of meat drifted in the air and it affected everyone, curling through their noses with the promise of proper food.  It had been a while for most of them.  Even Mama Marie picked up the pace a bit, leading them beneath the falling leaves into the courtyard.  The rare sound of laughter fluttered in the breeze, most of the village taking the chance to take a break from work as the Caretakers tended to the food in the middle of the clearing at a large pit.  Many of the others were already seated on logs and on the ground as well as well as a few old and rusted chairs, waiting for the food to be done.

    “Alright, let’s get these put up and then you can go see about getting some food for yourself and your own mama.  I’m sure she’ll be waitin on ya.”  The old woman’s house wasn’t far from the entrance.  She had one of the nicest houses in the village, well kept and maintained as a sign of how many respected her.  It was small, but tidy.  The brown bricks caught the light of the sun and as she scooted forward, adjusting her skirt and the supplies to be held up by one hand so as to open the door for the woman.  The brass handle was warm, its sun seeped metal a welcome change from the soft chill that had begun haunting the air.  It was unlocked of course and she held it open to allow Mama Marie to pass through, moving in after.

    The only light upon entering was that which came from a few cloth covered holes on the outside and on the ceiling that allowed a highly filtered light to flow through the shadows.  As the older woman shuffled inside she moved to grab a book of matches and swiftly ignited a few wax candles, the small scent of smoke drifting up as she gestured to a table in the main room.  Truly that was the only room she’d ever seen on the few occasions that she had helped the older woman.  She knew that there must at least be a kitchen and bedroom but she never probed.  It wasn’t her business and she knew that.  The table was mostly empty except for a dirt covered glass and a few dust covered trinkets that had lost much of their detail over the ages.  She gently plucked the plant pieces from her skirt and placed them in a clear space after sweeping some of the dust off with the side of her other hand, wiping it on her skirt afterwards.  Once all of the pieces were settled she released her skirt, smoothing it down once more as it touched the tops of her worn, supple leather boots.  

    “Was there anything else that you needed, Mama Marie?  Would you like me to get you some food as well?”

    The woman shook her head dismissively and lightly gestured her hands towards the door, not unkindly.  “Nah, that’s it.  Go on Rosemary.  Be a good girl and take care of your mama.  She’ll be waitin on you.  And good luck with that stallion,” she winked and gave another raspy chuckle as she went about her own business deeper in the house.

    She took the hint and let herself out, shutting the door behind her quietly as she looked towards the center of the courtyard, smiling at the amount of people that had gathered, all of them familiar faces.  She had grown up around all of them loved each of them.  And how could she not?  They needed each other if they had any hopes of surviving.  They all had a role to play and they all worked with each other to accomplish their goals.  It was no wonder that having a proper meal was a cause for celebration.  Even more reason if Mama Marie had been correct and they’d be planning on sending out a scouting group.

    She truly hoped that she was right about that.

    On her way she spotted one of the girls she’s grown up with, a plain but pretty girl with dirty blond hair that was tied back in a tidy plait.  She was speaking with one of the younger Hunters, her hands crossed in front of her tightly with a blush creeping over her freckled cheeks.  When she realised that she was watching her she glanced over with a quick, nervous smile before looking back to the boy in front of her.  Perhaps Mama Marie had been right on the other account as well, her mentioning of a ‘young stallion’ coming unbidden to her thoughts.  

    As she walked through the crowd she passed happy faces, even if most of them were dirty and worn before their years.  Their lot in life was a tough one but it was all they had and they made the most of it.  In the very center was a large fire pit, the skinned dear stuck on a spit with it’s skin stretched tight between two poles a bit further from it.  It’s head was missing and she imagined that whoever had killed it had recieved that part.  And rightfully so.  A large pot of stew had also been fixed and the scent sent a rumble through her stomach.  

    “So did you hear the rumour?” questioned a deep voice behind her.  She turned to face him and smiled, looking him over a bit despite herself.  He was older than her but he was not so old that he dismissed those that were younger as being unworthy as many of the older and more jaded members of the village were wont to do.  His black hair had a hint of white near the front, speckling it in a way that was still attractive.  He was strong and tall with a confidence about him that was certain, but not arrogant.  It was no surprise that he was one of the best Hunters.  Hellebore.  His clothing was sturdy, a sure sign of his influence and power.  The leather had all of its faults mended and fit him perfectly.  It was a rare thing.  Most simply gathered what pieces they could.  It was no wonder that he had sired many children in the village, 5 of which had survived past the first year.

    “Mama Marie said there was a rather interesting rumour going on about the Elders.  Something about a scout trip.  Is that the rumour you’re talking about?”  She tilted an eyebrow which brought a sideways smirk to his lips and rewarded her with a nod.

    “That’s the one.  Word is that they already have a group picked out.  Would be a good night for them to bring it up.  Goodness knows it would give us even more reason to celebrate.”  He chuckled and gestured for her to follow him, slipping off his gloves as he led her to an area near the outskirts, away from the others.  

    “I’m sure you’ll be one of the ones chosen to go, Hellebore,” as she took a seat on the ground once they stopped, smoothing out her skirts beneath her.  

    “Ah, we’ll see.  It’s hard telling.  They may need me here more than they would need me out there.  We all do our part.”  He sighed wistfully and raised one powerful hand to run his fingers back through his salt and pepper hair.  

    She nodded and pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around them as she rested her cheek on her knees, looking at him with a small smile.  “Yeah, I guess so.  I’m hoping that maybe I’ll get lucky.  Can you imagine what the Ruins look like?  Mama Marie claims that our village is the same size of a single one of the buildings there.  Can you imagine?”  She smiled even wider, leaning back a bit to look at the sky, her eyes closing shortly after in contemplation.  “It must’ve been magnificent.”

    “And yet they were able to destroy all of it,” he whispered, breaking her out of her thoughts.  

    All thoughts of the brilliance of the old Ruins turned to the Sovereign.  Darkness crossed her features as she lowered her head, both of them slipping into a moment of silence even as the others continued celebrating.  Even though they had never seen the Ruins for themselves they knew the stories.  They were all raised knowing what would happen so that no one would ever forget.  The death.  The destruction.  The Evolution.

    “Sorry, didn’t mean to ruin that moment.  When you get to be as old as me sometimes you just speak without thinking.”  She slipped out of her revery and chuckled at him softly.  

    “You’re not old.  You’re... well seasoned,” she teased, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear as she regarded him.  His own deep laugh made her smile up at him.

    “Well seasoned..  I guess I’ll let that one slip.  I did want to talk to you for another reason though.  How old are you, Rosemary?”

    The question momentarilly caught her offguard and she looked at him startled, her hands shaking despite herself.  She knew why he asked.  “I’m, 22 summers old.”  Her cheeks felt hot and she looked away from him, unable to meet his eyes.

    He was silent for a moment before speaking carefully.  “You’re a very clever and swift girl.  You take good care of your mother and Mama Marie.  The people of the village adore you and... frankly I do too.  You always do your best and honestly you do more than many of the other girls your age or even those who are older.  And of course, you’re very attractive.  What I’m saying is...  the Mothers say that you’re old enough to carry on your legacy.”  

    She knew that she was blushing furiously with every word he spoke.  It was to be expected that she would be approached soon but to have him approach her?  It was an honour that she couldn’t even express in words.  On one hand she wasn’t fully ready to give up her life of freedom and adventure but on the other hand this was what was expected of them.  They had to survive.  And she could’ve been chosen by someone far worse.

    “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.  You know that.  But...  I wanted to make the offer to you.  I would be proud to sire a child for you.  Understand that there are many others who would no doubt be willing to do so as well.  You don’t have to choose me.  But I can promise that I’ll take care of the both of you as well as your own mother as much as I am able to.”

    Still she couldn’t speak, her throat dry as the words stuck in her throat.  She knew that he spoke the truth.  His other children were very well taken care of as well as their mothers.  He was a man of his word.  He was honourable.  And if the Mothers had given the go ahead...  There wasn’t much that she could say.  The Mothers were the women of the village who cared for most of the others as healers.  They tended to the ill and the dying as well as those women who became pregnant.  After all, pregnancy had a high risk of killing the mother as well as the child.  They kept track of those who were ready to have children or should have children and with whom.  If he was appraching her then no doubt others would as well.  

    “I won’t force you to do anything right now.  I’ll never force you.  Just... tell me if you’re interested.  Or tell me to go jump off a bridge.”  He chuckled softly and she couldn’t help but give him a small smile.  “You don’t even need to tell the others.  We can go tell the Mothers and they’ll let any other men know that you are spoken for.  If you will have me that is.”

    Just as she was about to speak she realised that the others had gone silent, the background noise abruptly dying.  Her attention moved to the reason why and she immediately moved to her feet at the same moment as the man beside her.  The Elders were approaching the fire pit, their capes of feathers drifting down their backs dramatically as their wooden masks caught the light from the flames.  No one truly knew how old they were or even who they were.  They were chosen by some form of vote amongst each other and lost their former lives when the decision was made.  They served the village and made every important decision.  No one argued against them.  For them to come out, there was little doubt that an announcement of some sort would be made.  She glanced towards Hellebore, feeling his eyes still on her but unwilling to speak as to do so would be direspectful.  But he needed an answer.  With a small smile on her lips she nodded and reached out a hand to touch his before turning her attention to the Elders.