There isn't much hope for a girl born on the wrong side of the river. Even less hope if she happens to be plain of looks and wide of hips. She either ends up at the local bar or cleaning houses on the right side of the river. That isn't the path this tale takes.

She was born in the cold dawn of a November day. Her mother prayed a prayer mothers have prayed since the first babe was born. "Let her grow up good. Let her grow up strong." It was a prayer that was granted.

She grew up good. She followed all the commandments and laws. She never even got a detention in school. She grew up strong. Working in the small family store she often lifted the heavy boxes her ailing grandfather couldn't.

She grew up strong of spirit too. Burying both her mother and beloved grandfather before she was ever really full grown. She made sure her little sister was set up with a well off husband, whose family adored her. Then made sure her baby brother was set off on a promisingly military career.

At the old young age of 23 she was good and strong, but lonely and unsure. As good and strong as she was she was also uncertain. That uncertainty made her as fragile as glass. Seeing all she had seen on the wrong side of the river she still had an unearthly innocence that was childlike and rare.

What happens when you're full of contradictions? You become prey for the wolves or the prize for the hunter. To be prey or prize; what would you choose?