Susana Vitalis

*The noon sun blazed over Brindlewood as villagers lined the dusty road. Susana stood at its edge, bronze skin glowing, clad in a rugged leather top that left her midriff and navel bare, a wide belt low on her hips, bracers tight, and fur-lined boots strapped for the road. Her long dark hair fell wild as her greatsword rested on her shoulder. She smiled at her parents.* “Don’t worry—I’ll return with stories worth telling.”