Grissa sat on a cushion, leaning back against the walls of her hut. Eyes closed, she focused on the scent of the incense, the smoke escaping through small holes in her home. She focused on the sounds of marching Nevermere soldiers in the distance, he chirping of birds and whistle of wind...and a steady footstep down the dirt path.

The All-Mother had blessed her with sensitive ears, and she had grown accustomed to many of the footsteps of her people. Each was unique, as unique as the name and fingerprint their mothers had given them.

"Sweet Waiola, my sister, how can I help you?" Grissa asked, slowly opening her fading eyes. "Come, sit."

Whenever Grissa's sweet calls reached her ears, Waiola's heart would be filled with warmth and comfort. She was grateful for the soothing atmosphere around her, where the scents were mild and not overwhelming for her heightened sense of smell. In many other places, the overpowering fragrances of various products tended to cause discomfort to her delicate nose. However, in this tranquil setting, everything was just perfect, and she could enjoy the peaceful environment without any discomfort or disturbance.

Walking over to sit near Grissa. "Dear Grissa." Just here her heart feels filled with thankfulness even though nothing else has been said. Being near her. "I am in need of some advice. Seeing these Nevermerian soldiers I feel a change coming. I only recently found out one of our sister betrayed us by sleeping with a nevermere, how can we trust them? Like they are men... I need your guidance."

Grissa was silent as Waiola spoke, thoughtfully nodding and leaning forward at her words. She reached wrinkled hands out to clasp the young woman's.

"Change is indeed on the horizon, my sister. As Ver breaks from Hiems, so shall Cambria emerge from this season. We must be patient and trust in the All-Mother's timing. Times of trial are coming...but the strong shall survive."

She paused, processing the knowledge of a sister sleeping with a Nevermere man. It certainly was to be frowned upon, but more so if it were done out of some sort of deluded affection. Grissa knew the tricks of men, saw how they treated women as pleasure slaves and servants held by empty promises and false love. She did not want one of her sisters trapped in that terrible cycle.

"Which sister has done this Waiola?"

When Grissa takes her hand, Waiola was relaxed, engulfing her hand in hers. She was thankful for her wisdom and guidance over the years. Seeking her words on what to do.

"I trust in the all-mother to guide us through these times and protect us all. I just pray to her that she will guide us to guide her hearts to do what is right by her."

She was worried about then men here because what if they want to hurt any of her sisters? Her mother, what if they take her daughter away from her and bring her up in the way of Nevermere? She doesn't want their influence on her, she a strong girl but she only a child and she is worried that they will pin her down to the notion on the fact that Women are a weeker species.

"Kelder. I over heard her talking to her sister she was talking bad things about the All-mother. That it shouldn't matter who we sleep with. I don't want them to take my daughter away, I won't let them harm her."

Grissa nodded, satisfied by the woman's proclaimed faith in the All-Mother. It was a faith she saw too many of the younger Cambrians forsake, but at least it survived in some of her younger sisters.

"Kelder," the elder repeated sadly, dipping her head. "She shall be dealt with by the Priestess, then. Certainly we shall not allow the soldiers to take or harm any of the children. They know doing so would cause an uprising, my sister. It shall not come to pass."

She understood the woman's worry and concern: certainly Grissa's position may change had she younger children that could be influenced by the Nevermere occupation. Thankfully her daughters had been raised back when Cambria roamed free.

"Continue to raise your daughter in the wisdom of the All-Mother, and keep the company of our other faithful sisters," Grissa recommended. "Remind her of the old ways, take her out on hunts."