Koukla, the Warrior Princess

My mother named me Koukla. She died when I was very young, leaving my father to raise me and my brother. He did the best he could... We were constantly on the run- in fear for our lives because the consequences of being found and taken were great. Humans are not tolerated, and are generally killed on site to keep the population low- or enslaved. Our race is close to extinction. The drow pursuing my family never let up; they hunted us like animals. I think my father had something that they wanted.

So we ran. Even at age 8 I was the woman of the family. I was responsible for the few domestic duties you can have without actually having a home. My brother and father hunted and I cooked their catch. I sewed our clothes and made makeshift shoes when we were not near enough a settlement to barter or steal from. Yes we stole. I stole. It was necessary to survive. Thieving paid more than begging and there were three of us to feed. I was small and quick, with an innocent face. The trick was not to look hungry. Years of practice honed this skill.

Growing up with a male sibling taught me to be tough. I ran, jumped, and climbed- always striving to keep up. They say I could swim before I could walk. Being a girl didn't mean I was exempt from rough housing. Instead of protecting me my father encouraged it. Now I'm grateful. I learned to defend myself both mentally and physically. I was rarely stronger but I was usually smarter; more conniving and creative in my retaliation. Once, my brother Koskas took my doll away and hid her. She was my only doll and I loved her very much. When he woke up in the morning all of his tools and weapons were hanging from the highest branches of the tallest tree in our area. They questioned me for hours about how I managed it, but I'll never tell.

My father was killed a several years ago. He stayed behind to distract our attackers. It's been me and Koskas for so long... I don't know how I'll live without him. I woke up and he was gone. That was nearly a month ago. I stayed at that camp for days, hoping he would return. Since then I've been on the move, trying to stay alive. I feel like I'm heading toward something though, maybe its Koskas. I don't believe he'd abandon me, unless he thought it was to protect me. Maybe he was taken. Maybe he's already dead. Without knowing I have to assume that he's alive. I have to hope. I have to find him.

Koukla
September 10, 2010 - December 23, 2010
R.I.P.