ORIGIN OF THE CLAW

The traditional music filled the air around Catilina as she scanned over the crowd in front of her. "We spaniards, sure know how to have a feast." The colorful decorations, traditional music, and lively dancing create a jubilant atmosphere around her. The air was crisp and filled with the smell of burning wood as the villagers began to pack for the bonfire.Watching everything with her dark blue eyes, they sparkled as the flames started to burn higher and higher. Everyone around her was in high spirits for the night that laid ahead. She could feel the atmosphere was full of excitement. She always enjoyed the festival of the new moon, the music, the food, and of course, the spiced wine. It was the time to celebrate the new harvest and new beginnings.The fields had produced a surplus of grains this year and everyone felt it was a blessing from above.Catilina watched with her blue eyes as the people moved like ants.One of the women that was carrying a basket full of flowers stopped infront of Catilina. Her eyes full off admiration. "Will we see you tonight dressed in a dress instead of that hideous clothes, Cat?" She said with a smirk. Catilina always wore her armor that was made of bear skin and some metals that covered most of her slender but strong figure. She wore it for protection, not to attract the eyes of men.As the woman spoke to her, Cat straightened her back. "You know me, I am always on duty." Cat replied with a smile. The woman could only lift her shoulders and sigh.She gave her a warm smile before she continued on her way.Cat smiled, she remembered the time when they would ignore her and walk circles around her, but that changed quickly. She scanned the area one last time before she turned to watch the trees. The village was near a large forest, and the forest was full of the wonders of Mother Earth, as the fresh, piny forest smells swirled about the afternoon air Catilina made her way to her watch point, it was an old oak that stood taller than all the others, it was on a hill that overlooked the whole village.This was her safe space but also a place where she could observe and spot any potential threats.Her village wasn't small, there were at least seventy residents including herself and her eight fellow warriors. She watched as the villagers moved quickly between the wooden cottages.A soft sigh of peaceful contentment escaped her lips as she relaxed. Catilina gazed at the happy faces below, and then she sat down to sharpen her sword. Being one of the protectors of the village,she always tried to separate her life from the others in the village. They had carefree lives. She, on the other hand, with her warriors, had more troubling matters to think about.They were appointed by the headman to secure the village and protect it. The dangers they faced were mostly thieves ,bears, and wolves, but it was still a dangerous job. Catilina wiped away a strand of her light blond hair as she inspected her long sword.She was nineteen, but she felt much older. Her mother died giving birth to her, so some of the villagers believed she was cursed, and when her father died a few years back, it only proved their point. She had to grow up fast, and the only way she could regain her honor and stop the gossip of being a cursed maiden was to train as a protector. "You know if you sharpen that anymore, it's going to be a stick like blade, mi amor," a husky voice said behind her.Bringing her thoughts to an hault.A small smile appeared on her lips.She would recognize Diago's voice anywhere. "I am just preparing." She replied calmly as she continued to use her sharpening stone on the blade. Using it with skill as the rock and the blade made contact, making a shrill sound. Diago chuckled and sat next to her on the ground, staring at the loomy weather that was rolling in. The clouds seemed to soften the sky as the mist started to cover the earth with its blanket. He was quiet for a moment before he spoke. "I asked Emilio if I could take over your shift tonight, I want you to go and enjoy yourself at the dance-fire tonight." He said as he watched her reaction. " No need." Cat said without emotion. "Please? You never do anything fun." He continued. His gaze was fiery and intense. She knew him all too well. He was hoping for a different reaction. Cat stopped and stared at him curiously. "If you don't go, I am still going to accompany you on your shift, and we can talk the whole night about this unspoken attraction we have for each other." Diago said with a grin on his face, leaning closer to Cat's face. Catilina turned and watched Diago pucker his lips at her. "Fine, I will go." She said as she pushed his head away from hers. "Excellent, just make sure to wear something else than that." He pointed at her outfit with a sarcastic look. Cat stood up and glanzed at the grinning young man.Diago was handsome, his black hair hung in lose curls around his sharp facial features, his eyes were the color of freshly cut grass, he was indeed a handsome man.He had a few ladies that were very interested in him, but he enjoyed giving pleasure to all. The only one that seemed to be oblivious to his magical words or touch was Cat. Without saying a word, she placed her sword in her holster on her back and made her way down the hill, leaving the smiling Diago alone at the oak tree. He was one of the protectors, but he was like a big brother to her. He surely tried his luck a few times, but he knew that Cat didn't want any kind of relationship. That didn't stop him from teasing her. He always wondered if she would one day change her mind. *** The new moon festival had a unique charm and significance to the village. Everyone around her was bursting with excitement and energy as she walked past the houses to the main hall.She had changed into a cream soft dress that flowed over her hips like waves,the fabric wrapped around her body like a glove, she placed flowers in her hair and made sure to put her claw daggers in her boots. Catilina knew that the men in the village never noticed her, but tonight seemed different. She got approving glances as she walked.She could not help but smile faintly. The village headman and his wife lived inside the main hall. They always prepared a massive feast during this time. As Catilina walked, her eyes caught a glimpse of a dark figure that moved in the shadows near one of the trees.a cold shiver ran down her spine. She turned, but before she could have a good look, Emilio blocked her view with his broad shoulders. "Well, well, well, there is a lady in you after all..." He said with his gruffed voice. His smile reached his eyes as he looked at her up and down. "For an old man, you also don't look too bad, Emilio." Cat replied, returning his smile. Emilio was much older than her, but he was well built. His muscular body was visible through his white shirt, and many hours of training was his secret to keeping up with his young warriors. "Aw, yes.My wife made sure I attended tonight as a commoner," He laughed. Eliose, his wife, soon took her place next to Emilio. "Cat! You look like a fairy queen." Eliose said sincerely. "Thank you,mi señora." Cat said with a grin and gave slight curtsy. "We will see you in the hall, I still need to speak to the headman." Emilio said as they moved past Cat.She turned and looked for the figure in the shadows, but it had disappeared, and a small frown appeared on her soft face. "You need to relax," Cat thought to herself as she continued to the great hall. Little did she know that a pair of glistening black eyes were watching her every move.