Contest: The Settlers

Host: CraZCanuck

"Hazel!" Thatch shouts, gesturing me toward him where several members of the camp were dancing chaotically around a roaring campfire.

"Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves." I exclaim gleefully, sliding effortlessly into Thatch's waiting embrace. He expels a joyous laugh and sweeps his arm toward the successfully built greenhouse and aqueduct.

"They have much to celebrate. Our new home is coming along quite well." He comments, giving my shoulders a squeeze before releasing me to join in the festivities. I smile at his retreating form, glad to see everyone relax and enjoy themselves for the first time in a long while.

"Matriarch Hazel," a younger voice announces, I turn slightly and meet Nicolette's glowing gaze. "are you enjoying this night?" She inquires, clutching Quinn to her chest. I offer a tentative smile and place my hand on her shoulder.

"Are you?" I question, staring into her curious eyes. Nicolette sneaks a glance back at Nathaniel as he dashes through the dark fields, engaging in a game called tag with the other Archers.

"Very much, yes." She says, a brilliant smile stretching her porcelain features.

"Then I am as well." I assure, brushing my finger gently across her cheek. A giggle escapes her and she darts off, returning to the entertaining game of tag.

A loud commotion erupts from the crowd around the campfire and boisterous bellows color the air, casting a dark shadow over the festivities. I start toward, quickening my pace at the sound of metal unsheathing.

"Excuse me." I protest, elbowing my way to the front of the surrounded citizens. Once at the edge, I watch in horror as Thatch and an unknown man circle each other like savage animals in the wild. Terrible expressions of hatred cling to their faces and the orange glow of the fire only intensifies the already unsettling situation.

"What is the matter of this?" I snap, stepping forth into the ring between the two. Thatch immediately lowers his weapon, allowing the sword to fall limply by his side. Yet, the other boy, clad all in black, remains poised for a fight. His eyes blaze as he sets enchanting grey orbs on me, pointing the wooden arrow at my chest.

"Who are you?" He seethes, spitting through his teeth. I straighten under his scrutinizing gaze, fearing the quiver that travels through my fingers.

"I am Hazel Mercer, the Matriarch of this place. And you are trespassing." I accuse, pointing one finger in his direction. A small smirk tugs at his lips and he shrugs one shoulder.

"I believe I claimed this land first so it is you who trespasses." He clarifies, a commanding tone tinting his voice.

"You held no authority and enacted no army, thus you surrendered this land to us. We wish no harm on it or you, I feel confident a treaty can be reached." I respond, placing my hands on my hips. The boy snorts and tilts his aim, pointing the sharp tipped arrow at none other than innocent Nicolette. "Iwish for the blood of a child as payment for this land." He demands, preparing to shoot. A streak of panic ripples through me and Thatch tenses, prepared to lurch forward.

"And I wish for you to leave in peace without any bloodshed. But it seems as if neither one of us will receive what we wish so desperately for." I retort, flicking my wrist forward ever so slightly and an arrow comes soaring past my head. So close I feel the breeze against my cheek. The arrow embeds itself into the boy's shoulder and a yelp of pain escapes his lips. The arrow rips free of his bow, flying wildly up into the trees to strike the bark of a branch.

"Bind his hands." I say softly, glancing at Thatch who instantly steps forward and wrenches the boy's arms behind his back and ties them with rope. The boy cries out, falling to his knees as he looks up at me with hateful eyes.

"You have won Matriatch. What will you do with me now?" He taunts and I tap my finger against my chin, unsure of my response.

"You shall come to find out."

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

**The following is written in a series of journal entries in Hazel's POV**

Day Thirty-Three

It's been three days since my last entry and I fear our camp is on the edge of hard times. Just recently, during our night of celebration, we were attacked by a group of young people. They attempted to harm our men and stole our food, they even managed to damage our aqueduct! It was absolutely appalling!

Thatch and Deirdre have assembled teams to search for the bandits, for we were only able to capture one, the leader who calls himself Dominic. I fear I have no clue what to do with him. I have no desire to harm another but I feel as if some sort of action must be taken if we are to survive in this world at all.

However, good things have fallen on us as well. The wire fence has been completed and we have begun building our new homes. But for now, we are content to sleep under the stars in tents and relish in the dew dropped ground.

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Thirty-Six

We have managed to repair our aqueduct without much trouble. I am relieved to no longer have to worry about my people dying of thirst.

Thatch has also patched up the greenhouse and Kira has begun replanting. We should have everything back in order in two days time. Thankfully.

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Thirty-Nine

We've discovered a trail! Deirdre is an impeccable scout and was able to track the bandits all the way to their campsite! Though I fear that when Thatch and several others arrived they had vanished, leaving their belongings behind. But fear not, I have hope that they will be found.

In the meantime, Dominic has been placed within a tent of his own and released from bondage. I have offered him a position, one he has begrudgingly accepted. I wish for him to help train our men and make us able to defend ourselves against whatever may stand to harm us. Thatch is in disagreement with my decision and fears for the safety of the camp with bandits running amuck. But, if they are to become part of our community, are they still considered bandits? I think not.

Our houses are coming along quite nicely. Luca, Gabriel, and Brigan have pulled together and gathered several others to help in the building process. In only four days they have managed to nearly complete one structure! Simply amazing! I am blown away by their dedication and hard work! With them in our midst, we shall prosper!

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Forty-Four

Dominic has agreed to lead a group of our men to his. I have assured everyone that he no longer means us as harm. His men though, I fear they will not give in so easily.

Dominic is an amusing character, he feels truly for those that reside in my camp and genuinely wishes to help. Yet a fire burns within him for his starving men, one he cannot quench. I hope to help us both with their additions to our camp.

Nicolette is still hard at work creating things, Matthew and Crystal by her sides. The three make leaps and bounds each day. Just yesterday they came to me with a cluster of thin sheets. Finally, I have something to write on besides my wooden desktop! I've been hard at working copying all pf my entries onto the new "paper".

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Forty-Seven

We have lost three men since my last entry. Just as I predicted Dominic's men were not so accepting. They fought us, including their forgotten leader, and injured several, including Thatch.

I fear I must take drastic action. This decision is weighing heavily on my shoulders. What I must do will have dire consequences. Yet, what else is there for me to do?

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Fifty

Dominic has become a trusted member of the camp, and all because he saved Deirdre and Thatch's lives in the fight. I appreciate his presence more and more each day. He seems happy here, Nicolette has taken to him quite nicely. I can tell he cares for her deeply.

In the midst of all the chaos, we have continued to build our houses. Three structures have been completed and two more are in construction! It is simply brilliant!

I am neglect to enact my punishment on Dominic's men. He will not like it and I fear what might happen. I've talked it over with Thatch and he supports me. It must be done.

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Fifty-Three

I will not take a life. No matter if someone has taken one of ours. How am I to give second chances to a corpse?

Yesterday I spoke with Dominic and discussed my punishment with him. He reacted better than I expected though seemed rather put out by my decision. I feel for him, I do. But I am relieved to know that he understands my position.

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Fifty-Five

Today I gathered everyone in the center of the camp and announced my punishment for our new members. Dominic's men have sentenced to thirty-nine whippings each. Thatch and and I will personally oversee the ordeal.

I am disturbed by the glee that erupted from my camp and deeply pained by the outrage. How could they ask me to kill someone? How can a person wish for the death of another? I cannot understand.

I will not look forward to watching these men endure such agony. But it is a necessary evil in order to establish Quinovia as a safe place. As well as one open to offering second chances. Two days until the whipping. I am dreading it already.

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Fifty-Seven

I will start my entry on a joyful note since I will most likely end on a sour one. We have finished one more house and begun work on another. Our goal is to build fifteen total. We are almost partially there. Only eleven more.

I am scarred by what I have witnessed. Thatch is with me as I write this, he fears I may never stop shaking. Perhaps he is right, the bloody image is burned into my mind. And I can still hear their screams.

The whipping went according to plan and each man received the aforementioned amount of lashes. Dominic is relieved that the ordeal has passed, as am I. Once the men are healed they will join our camp and train our men along with their leader.

Quinovia has set it's law. No one shall escape without punishment. But I will not kill. Quinovia has become the place for second chances. And I am proud to be the Matriarch.

- Hazel, the Matriarch

Day Sixty

The camp is still recovering from the whipping. Things are tense between some of the members. Especially those who lost loved ones in the fight that started all of this.

The men are healing nicely. Thatch, Dominic, and a woman called Isabel tend to them. Isabel is a strong Alchemist, one who uses her gift to heal. Soon, the men will be ready to train others. I only hope I can keep the peace within the camp.

- Hazel, the Matriarch