The corpse of the deceased lay in the center of the village square, before the Goddess Nia's statue, covered with a layer of leaves. The square was silent, the elderly priest performing last rites for the departed soul, while men and women watched the scene wordlessly.
It had been this way for centuries.
Suffering had become a part of life for the Senia People. Unable to resist, this vulnerable tribe chose to retreat further into the forest. But life in the Black Forest wasn't necessarily sweet either. Cold, hunger, and monster attacks equally cast the shadow of death.
Everyone looked at their eldest, their Elder— the one who, for the Senia People, embodied experience and was a natural leader. In times of suffering, he always led them out of harm's way. But this time, even this wise elder lowered his brows, appearing powerless.
