And God Said

Life on Thesnia Island was peaceful. Not many lived on the island that was only a couple hundred miles long. It was warm, slightly tropical yet not at the same time. They still experienced winters, but not of the same level as some other islands or mainlands. The winter seasons of These were usually pretty mild, only dropping to the thirties on the coldest nights. Even then though, with all of the things that need to be done for daily survival, the cold didn't bother many very much.

Thankfully, it was mid-spring and all of the crops were starting to produce and the fish were coming closer to land. Food was becoming more plentiful and life was coming and blooming on the island. Just last week, two babies were born on the island. A great sign from the god, Taion. Life on Thesnia was near perfect. Not much was to be complained about.

Today was no different than any other day for Wren. She, like many others of the tribe, woke up with the sun to start their day. The warriors and hunters, and family men went out to search for some fresh meat to dry out. While the women got to work on getting water and cleaning. Wren, on the other hand, had a slightly different schedule for her days.

Fore Wren was without parents. Her mother passed away having her and her father was a warrior, struck down in battle a couple of years ago against another tribe. Meaning, that she was left to fend for herself. Thankfully, she was left with a good start. Her father loved animals and had somehow managed to get the two of them a cow for fresh milk and a couple of chickens for eggs and meat when times were hard.

So, with the addition of being one of the lucky few to have animals. Wren needed to start her day with feeding the chickens which were kept in a small enclosure next to her hut, as well as her cow. As she exited the house she's lived in since she was a child, Wren made small clicking sounds to get her animals attention. A small smile appearing on her lips as the chickens started to cluck loudly and the cow lifted its head in her direction.

"You guys must be hungry today," Wren said quietly as she started to drop handfuls of grain on the ground for the chickens to eat. Her skirt blowing around her legs as a light breeze moved through the air. Then, she moved onto feeding her cow before setting her feeding bucket down and sighed. Life with a partner would be so much better, but, without anyone to offer her up, she was doomed to be alone. A father was supposed to be the one to look for a partner for their daughters, there was no such thing on the island of daughters seeking out their own suitor.

Not wanting to wallow in her own self-pity, Wren moved to grab her water buckets and started the treck towards the ocean. She'll need clean water to drink and clean herself in, so she'll have to make the trip a few times. She really didn't want to do the treck for water when the sun hit its peak. As she walked, Wren past the huts that belonged to higher ranking members of the tribe, ones that held ranks were considered noble and often got the best huts, first dibs on crops and women. They were the lucky ones and Wren couldn't help but look at them in longing each time she passed them by.

@ FallenHope95
Pressing his knees hard into the floor, Maximus slowly stood up from praying. He had been praying to Taion much in the last few weeks, needing clarity from their God. Things in his life had become hectic lately as new thoughts had entered his mind. Thoughts of becoming the new leader, of taking over their tribe and ruling with an iron fist. Thoughts of getting what he wanted. 

Heading over to the window, Maximus leaned against it, looking down at the well-trodden path to the water. The thing that he wanted most of all came into his view, Wren. In truth, she was a nobody to the tribe. Just some orphan girl that had to fend for herself. Even so, Wren was out of his reach. A powerful man like him wasn't meant to have her but he wanted her. 

After much praying, it was clear to the man that Taion would not care if Maximus took the girl for himself. Taion was the type of God that would promote such a thing. But there was one thing in the way and that was the leader. A leader who, Maximus believed, wasn't fit to lead. But he was the leader for a reason, God talked to him directly. Taion told that man all that he wished, all that he wanted, all that he commanded. However, he wasn't the only one anymore. 

Maximus could hear Taion. The God whispered in his ears now, telling Maximus that it was time for a change. It was time that the tribe was run by him instead. It was time for Maximus to take what he wanted. 

A grin came over Maximus' face as he headed down the stairs and out of his house, moving onto the path that Wren was only moments before. Whether or not she knew it, Wren was part of this plan. And it was time for him to speak to her. 

@ BearGirl
Closing her eyes, Wren breathed in deeply through her nose and slowly exhaled through her mouth. As her bright green eyes opened, she couldn't help but marvel at the stones that protected the island. Placed out a little way, separating the safe shallows from the deeper water. Taion was gracious enough to mark the line of danger for the tribe. He was a kind god and deserved all that the tribe offers to him.

Stepping out onto the edge of the treeline, Wren walked down to the beach. The sand was slightly warm from the morning sun, but her wheat made sandal protected her feet. A small hum escaped from the young girl as she made her way to the water. There was barely anyone at the water's edge at this time, as they all must have gone at first light. A wise choice in Wren's mind, but she had animals to tend to.

As she got the water's edge, Wren tested the water with her toes for a moment before walking in. Light goosebumps washed over Wren's body, the water felt like a lukewarm bath. Once she was about knee deep, Wren stopped walked and started to fill her buckets. Making sure to be extra careful of her newly pierced bellybutton. A symbol for eligible men to know that she was of age and not yet taken. If Wren was ever to be taken, she would offer them her piercing, as a sign that she was theirs.

A small wince flashed through Wren as she stood up straight and rightened her first bucket. It was filled halfway, as if it was completely full she wouldn't be able to carry it. So, taking in a shaky breath, Wren stood up straight and cupped some clean water in her hand, then proceeded to wash her belly button. Making sure that she didn't bump it in the process of cooling the irritated skin with the clean water.

Glancing up, Wren jumped a little bit as she saw one of the ranked members approaching. She didn't want to cause them any trouble or get in their way, so Wren tried to quickly look away from them, and take her buckets elsewhere. The last thing that she needed right now was for the noble to decide to bully her and take her buckets of water or push her into the water.

@ FallenHope95

Maximus watched as the girl skirted away from him and headed down the beach. He wasn't particularly surprised by this as it was custom for lower ranking members to move out of his presence. They were beneath him, so many of them. But, despite Wren's place in the tribe, he found her very interesting. He wanted her and he was going to have her. Now, he just needed to be careful about it.

The man let the girl make some distance between the two and pretended to ignore her. He sat down on the beach and pushed his feet into the water with a pleasant sigh. Slowly, Maximus moved until he was laying down in the sand completely with his legs in the nice cool sea. Now this was relaxing. The man closed his eyes but made sure to keep his ears open for any noise that might come from the girl. In order to get back safely, she would need to go to the trail. She would have to walk by him.

After allowing a few minutes to pass, Maximus sat up and pushed his feet into the sand under the water. He looked around as if he was enjoying the view of their beautiful island. It was hard not to. Taion really did bless them. Though, eventually, his eyes dropped on the woman that he so desperately wanted. He motioned her over to him.

"Girl, come." He commanded her presence and her attention. It would be impossible for the girl to avoid him and to avoid punishment. It was her duty to serve him and serve him she will do. Though, for now, his task for her would be easy. It would probably be something that the woman barely thought twice about after the fact. "Tell me your name girl."

Moving a little ways away from the man Wren set her buckets down and started to fill the second one. As she leaned over to fill the bucket, the wind blew lightly and tossed the girls hair. Causing her to stand up straight and fix her hair she grabbed both of her buckets and started to slowly head back to the trail.

As Wren started her way back, she did her best to keep a bit of distance from him. Doing her best to be respectful of him. Her bright green eyes kept forward, not daring to glance at him. Not daring to watch as he stepped into the water or that he was looking at her either.

It wasn’t til the man spoke, that Wren froze and looked in the mans direction. Just knowing that he was looking at her caused Wren to become nervous. So, trying to be as calm as she could be, Wren set her buckets down and made her way towards the man. Her hands folding in front of her as she kept her eyes down. Not daring to look him in the eyes.

“It’s Wren, sure.” She spoke, her voice quiet as she waited for the ranked member to continue speaking. Waiting for him to ask her anything else or dismiss her. She was just a low ranking tribe member after all. What could she possibly do or say to him?

Slowly, Wren licked her lips. Then shifted slightly from one foot to the other. She was growing nervous by having his sole attention on her.

@ BearGirl

@ FallenHope95

The man let out a hum and gave her a small nod. He had not known the woman's name before this moment, and had been curious what a beauty like her could be called. He wanted to smile at her and to start working on taking what was his. To have her remove the charm from her belly button and hand it to him, so he could claim her for all to see. Though, patience here was necessary and Maximus could not do whatever he wanted quite yet.

"I have a job for you. And I am sure that you are capable enough to do it." Reaching into his pocket, Maximus pulled out a small velvet bag. It was filled of the poison that was meant for the leader's dinner. Though that was not something Wren needed to know. It would be best if she didn't know anything at all.

He held the pouch out to Wren, wanting her to take it from him. "This needs to be brought to the kitchen of the leader's home. I am sure that you know where that is. Just go to the back door, knock and once someone answers, tell them it is the spices." Once Wren took the pouch, Maximus dropped his hand and started to relax once again. "Bring it before the sun sets today. If you take any, or if it doesn't get to the leader, Taion will punish you dearly."

Maximus turned his head and looked back out at the sea. "You may go." He wanted Wren to be the one to deliver the poison. No one would suspect her of it. Also, he wanted her to be a part of his master plan. One day, if he needed to, he could hold her involvement over her head. Even if she didn't know, she could be to blame for so much of it.

@ BearGirl
Curiosity washed over Wren as the man in front of her told her he had a job for her. It was quite odd for him to request something of her. After all, she was a nobody and he was a ranked member. The trible marking that he had told her that as clear as day.

Looking up, Wren looked at the bag that he was holding out to her. Waited for him to explain what needed to be done and then slowly took the bag from him. The bag was still pretty light, which was to be expected since they were just spices. Although, the leather feel of the bag was so smooth, it was like nothing she's ever felt before.

"I shall not anger Taion." Wren said quietly as she looked up at the man who had yet to tell her his name. Then, she quickly used the strings that were on the bag to tie onto the strap of her skirt before scurrying away with her water buckets. She didn't want to anger the man by sticking around or risk having him change his mind. She will do Taion's bidding, and help her fellow tribal member.

Moving along the trail, Wren looked up at the houses as she past them by once more. Amazed at how huge some of the buildings were. They got some help from mainlanders on occasion, which was why some of the homes looked fancier than others. The ranked members earned the trust of the mainlanders and accepted their help and in return traded some of the islands things to them. Wren's never seen a mainlander though, she lived to far into the island to see when they come to the island, but her friend Lily told her stories of the mainlanders and how weak they are to their men.

Wanting to do her little job first, Wren brought the bag to the leaders house. Doing as the man said by going to the back door and knocking. When the door opened, Wren was met with a older woman, a worker for the leader. She smiled kindly at Wren as she fidgeted slightly in her spot. "These are the spices for tonights meal." She said quietly, handing over the bag that was filled with what she was told were spices. She never once checked to see what kind they were. It would be useless after all, she'd never been able to afford it and she didn't want Taion's wrath upon her. She already had enough heartache.

The elderly woman thanked Wren for her delivery and sent the young girl on her way. With her little side errand done, Wren went back to bringing her buckets back home so that she could go fill the second set. Not a clue about what she had just done washed through her mind. She was just the innocent girl that she had always been.

Later that night, while all of the children of the tribe went to sleep. The older members got together to celebrate. For tonight was the seasonally sacrafice to Taion. Each season, the tribe offered something to the god to apease him. Something that they hope will make him want to protect everyone. This month, they offered him a basket of fruit and vegtables that the tribe had harvested.

Sitting on the ground with a few of the other young single women, Wren watched at the leader of the tribe stepped towards the large fire. He looked like he was a little off balance, but Wren didn't think much of that. It was warm out and he'd been having health problems for years.

So, sitting back with the other women. The night sky getting darker by the second, the leader started to speak to the tribe. Telling them the story of Taion and why they were doing this offering. He's told the story for as long as Wren could remember, and she was pretty sure that she could recite the whole thing by heart. The whole tribe probably could, but still. They let the old man talk.

Then, once he was done talking, he set the offering basket into the fire and they all started to watch the food burn. It was only a few moments later that a few of the tribes members started to bang on some drums and Wren and the other girls got up to dance around the fire. Tonight was a celebration after all. Why stay sitting?

As the girls danced and the drummers drummed, no one noticed the old tribe leader. As he started to foam at the mouth and slump in his seat. At least, not until someone screamed.

@ FallenHope95

Once the screaming started, complete chaos ensued. This was Maximus' opportunity to become leader and he had to take it fast. There had been very little agreement in how the next leader would be chosen. All the higher ups knew that there was a possibility for a bloodbath when the old leader finally went. It was what Taion would have wanted anyways, for someone to take it.

Maximus started to command his followers what to do, knowing that they needed to make the other men submit to him before any kind of calm could occur. Some of the woman ran away in terror. That was good. This had nothing to do with them. Though there were others that were stuck in the chaos or found dumbstruck. Maximus knew he could not allow any of them to be hurt. That would cause serious problems for his reign before it even began.

He ordered a few of the other men to force the women away from the in fighting, yelling at them to head back home. They managed to get them all on the outskirts of the situation and two were sent with them to bring them home, to ensure that they got home safely. If anything happened to them within their own homes, well that was outside of Maximus' hands.

Taking over the men by force found to be rather easy. None of the men had seen it coming. They were unprepared and most didn't even have any weapons on them. Only one of the warriors was killed in the process, the man who was bodyguard to the leader. It would have been more honorable for him to die in this fighting anyways, as the leader's death would have been blamed on him. Once these men were under Maximus' control, they were brought to the meeting hut and all of the men were locked inside, except for a few guards standing at attention outside.

Most of the lower class men agreed to follow Maximus immediately. This was something that the man had been expecting. They tended to be weak, willing to follow anyone. Those who fell somewhere in the middle were a bit more difficult, though as Maximus told his stories of speaking to Taion, of being told by the God that this was the path he wanted, they started to fall under his regime as well.

Members of his own status took a bit longer. Some of them agreed immediately, having known this would happen, or knowing that a rule under Maximus would benefit them. Others... well it took more convincing. Maximus spoke to them one by one. With a few, Maximus was able to tell them what Taion had told him about them. Secrets that the members did not want revealing, making them back off and agree with Maximus rule immediately. With the rest, Maximus made a few agreements with them, deciding to give them what they wanted for their loyalty.

At the end, Maximus had the whole clan in the palm of his hand. He sent two of the guards to collect the woman. It was time for another ceremony, for his ceremony.

@ BearGirl
The sound of drums soon changed to the beating of her heart as Wren was ushered away from the scene with the other women. The sight of their once steal hearted leader, slumped over dead in his chair burned into her mind. All the women around her were in a panic, unsure of what was going to happen now, who would be taking over the tribe. Wren wanted to open her mouth to tell them to calm down, but, she had no idea what she'd say. She may be a low member of the tribe, but she still cared to comfort her fellow tribal members.

As Wren got back to her home at the edge of the tribe's land, she sat down on her small porch outside her home. She could see fires lighting the path that led to the houses so that people didn't hurt themselves in the dark. Wren could also see people comforting each other, her own friends Tahlia and Addie even came over to make sure that she was alright.

The three girls sat outside, talking amongst each other. Trying to calm each other down and focus their minds on things other then the uncertainty of what could be accuring. If any of the men were going to come out of this alive. By the time the girls got their hearts to calm down, a guard was coming around and rounding them up. Telling them that the new chief had already been selected.

Reaching over, Tahlia held onto Wren's arm for support as the girls walked back to the ceremony area. Wren slowly licked her lips as she looked around nervously. there wasn't really any blood at all and most of the men all seemed like they didn't have a scratch on them. That, was a bit surprising as she'd heard stories of when their leader who had just past was in the running, had slaughtered people in front of the shrine to gain their gods' favor.

Slowly, as the three arrived, Wren led her friends to the back of the meeting area and sat on her knees. The new chief was to be presented to them soon, he was supposed to wear tribal paint, to symbolize his place at Taion's side. So, it wasn't surprising that this was getting a little more suspensful as they waited for him to show himself to the tribe.

@ FallenHope95

The man closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and stepping out before the tribe. There were a couple of gasps from the women as they saw the new leader, Maximus. Many of the woman knew of him, but only the higher ups had talked to him before. It was clear that some of them had not been expecting to see Maximus, or what he was wearing.

Instead of the normal tribal paints, Maximus had it done in the blood of the bodyguard and the old leader. He wanted to show strength, to show to them all that he was not one to be trifled with. Though, there was very little worry from the woman. It was the men that needed to stay in their place. The man continued until he was in front of the whole tribe before he motioned for his second in command to speak.

"It is with great pleasure that I announce the new grand leader, Maximus. He has won the battle and speaks on behalf of our God, Taion. Now, it is our duty to follow him, as it is his duty to speak Taion's truth and wisdom. May he lead us into continuous prosperity." There was some beating of the drums as the men repeated. "May he lead us into continuous Prosperity. Thank you Taion for the gift of a strong leader." The women then spoke. "Thank you Taion for these gifts."

Maximus waited until the tribe was quiet before he started to speak. "Welcome, tribe to a new era. Taion and I thank you for your obedience and your trust... It was only a few weeks ago when the Great God started to speak to me, telling me that it was time for a new leader, a new man to lead the charge into our great beautiful world that he has gifted us. Though, before this begins, we must thank him. We must make sacrifices befitting a God in times like this, to show our continued devotion."

The leader turned and motioned at the guards. Two men were then brought out, chained up as they were forced on their knees in front of the leader. Both of were men, one of middle ranking while the other was a high ranking member. Maximus waited as the men's heads were forced down before he continued on. "These men have refused to follow their new leader, the one that Taion had commanded to the head of this tribe. They reject me, they reject our God. It is my sworn duty, with Taion's will, to sacrifice them to him so that he may punish those who refuse to follow his will." Maximus took a intricate, ceremony knife from the guard and forced the head back of the lower class man, cutting his throat and letting him bleed out before dropping the man to the ground in front of him, dead.

He then turned to the higher class man, cutting off the ear that held his wife's charm before raising it up. "Woman, please come forward." The woman then came up, shaking, full of nerves before she came and bowed lowly to the leader. "We do not punish those who do not deserve it." Maximus said as he handed the charm back to her. "You may keep your status, but you are single again. Wed another and continue to follow the beliefs of the tribe." The woman nodded before quickly heading back to her seat. Maximus turned to the man and did the same as he had to the other.

@ BearGirl
As the new leader stepped in front of the tribe, Wren couldn't help but raise her hands to cover her mouth as she gasped. The new chief was the man who she had talked to earlier today. His strong sense of power had radiated from him even then. Just having his eyes on her had stolen the breath from her chest. Could that have maybe been because she could feel Taion's power coming from him? Was the over whelming feeling of fear of the man been because it was like she was looking at their god?

As the new tribe leader spoke, Wren felt her heart beating faster and faster. She had talked to the new leader before he was officially chosen. She, a lowly member of the tribe, was in front of him. A shaking mess of nerves was given a task from him. From Taion. She wasn't sure if that was a good or bad sign though, it wasn't like he would ever speak to her again though, so, maybe thinking about it continuously was a bad idea.

A shudder ran down Wren's spine as she watched him cut the mans throat. Her eyes closing and she couldn't help but look away. Blood was her least favorite thing to see. A few of the other women followed suit and looked away at the book that was pooling on the ground. Trion's sacrafice's were to be carried to the shrine tomorrow and burned, by the priest of the tribe and his underlings.

Once the sacrificial was complete, those who were sitting all did one final bow towards their new leader. A chorus of prayer for their leader's safety and for Taiwan's continued protection echoed through the tribe before everyone sat up once more.

Now, it was time for the rest of the celebration. Slowly, people started to raise from the sight of the bloodied ground and head over towards the large fire that had slightly died out. People started to put more logs into the fire, adding some leaves as well as anything else that could help revive the fire. Women started to dance around the fire once more, men enjoyed a cool drink after all of the chaos that had just gone on in the matter of an hour or so.

Meanwhile, Wren sat a little farther from the group on a large boulder that was a small distance from the group. The shadow of the fire licked at her back as she stared up at the sky. A clay bowl that was filled with fresh guava juice in her hands. At any other time, Wren would have loved to have danced with the others, but, tonight. She wasn't feeling very well anymore. The sight of the blood had made her stomach feel squeeze and she just wanted some time to clear her head.

@ FallenHope95

Once the celebration started, Maximus quickly found himself quite popular. Many of the men wanted to discuss the potential changes to the tribe. The woman wanted to get the new leader and there was some children that just wanted a better look at the man covered in blood.

At first, Maximus entertained them all. That was one of his roles as the new leader of the tribe. He needed to be accessible to those highly ranked enough. He needed to be seen by those who were of lower rank. It was important that he came across as rational and willing to cooperate but also, decisive and not easily swayed. In truth, it was a difficult line to walk but Maximus knew he would learn how to walk it with time.

Though after sometime of being bombarded with questions, Maximus raised his hand and announced that these were issues for tomorrow. That, tonight, they must celebrate. This caused them all either head their own ways or change the conversation. But with the situation calmed down, Maximus mind went to something else. There was something else that the leader still wanted, someone else.

His eyes glanced around the party until they landed on Wren. Maximus could see that she was sitting some distance away from the others. The way she looked up at the sky, it seemed to him that she looked a little lost. That maybe he had found someone who needed guidance from the new leader. Excusing himself from the group, the man made his way over to the woman before standing before her. "What is on your mind, little kit."

@ BearGirl
The comforting smell of the bon fire waffered through the air, calming Wren's nerves. As well as ease nausea in her stomach. Her shoulders fell a little bit as she relaxed, not wanting them to be so tense since she wasn't on edge anymore. The scene from earlier was slowly leaving her mind as she stars gazed. The peaceful night was taking over what was just seen by the tribe.

Then, at the sudden disruption to the silence, Wren couldn't help but jump a little. Turning her gaze downwards and towards the side, her eyes widen slightly at the sight of the leader. "My apologies, I was just looking at the stars." She told him as she slowly slipped from the boulder and then proceeded to kneel and bow towards the their new leader. A sight of high respect for the man in front of her.

"You don't need to worry about me, sir. I'm fine." Wren added on as she slowly leaned back on her knees. "I'm sorry if I worried you or caused any trouble, I didn't mean to cause any trouble on the night of your rising." Her voice was soft as she spoke, her gaze not raising to meet in out of respect, instead, she looked down towards the ground that he stood on. The man in front of her was now a man who was deemed almost untouchable, he was pretty much royalty in regards to the tribe.

@ FallenHope95

"You have not caused me any trouble, dear." Maximus said softly. He looked down at he woman that he deemed was almost trembling before him. It was something that the man understood, he was not many ranks above the woman and for her to do anything else would have been deemed inappropriate. Though, this was not what he wanted from her. Maximus wanted loyalty but in a much different way.

The man was quiet for a moment before looking down at her, a bit of a smile coming over his face. Now that he was in the position of power, it was going to be easy for him to get Wren as his wife. There were just a few things that he had to do first, to ensure that certain procedures were met. Right now, Wren was too far under his rank for there not to be issues to be brought up if he were to declare that she was his.

"I want you to come to my home tomorrow, there is a task that I have for you, something different than the one before but still important none the less." Maximus told her. "Be there once the sun sets." He would be busy tomorrow morning and afternoon, though what he had planned was better for night anyways. "Do you understand, little kit?"

@ BearGirl
It was quite a relief to hear that she wasn't in any sort of trouble. Being on the lowest end of the ranking, Wren often worried that she'd be blamed for something. That someone would just tell her to leave because they had to many people in the tribe. That someone would frame her or something. Worry was one of her main features it would seem.

"Another task?" Wren repeated quietly, a small undertone of excitement filling her voice at the idea of being needed. The fact that he wanted to meet her at night or at his home didn't matter. The leader of the tribe wanted to meet with her, this was exciting news. This was great news actually.

"Y-yes sir, I understand," Wren said quietly, her bottom lip moving in between her teeth as she excitedly thought about what he could possibly want her to do for him. Maybe, he wanted to help her establish herself as more than a young girl who didn't have much to give anyone in terms of reputation. The fact that he was a man and she was a woman didn't mean anything, nor the fact that he wanted her to visit him at night. "I shall come once night falls." She said, reinstating the time so that he knew that she understood him.



Curiosity filled Wren to the brim. She had no idea what the leader of the tribe could want from her. She was just a simple girl who often tried to keep her head down. She didn't want any trouble, especially with the new leaders' reign. He didn't seem mad at her the other night, so he couldn't possibly looking to punish her. Right? Hopefully, not.

So, with a little bit of anxiety and fear mixed into her curiosity, Wren kept her promise. She had done all of her chores for the day and prayed to Taion for luck on whatever the new leader wanted for her to do. Then, as soon as the sun went down, Wren made her way towards the new leaders home.
It wasn't very hard to find, as guards were stationed around the leaders home. Having such a beautiful place to live as well, having a house that many in the tribe envied. Walking towards the leaders home, Wren had to introduce herself to the guards and allow them to get a good look at her. In case she caused trouble and needed to be hunted down she assumed. Then, she was allowed passage up to the front door of the home.

Taking in a deep breath, Wren tried to calm her nerves. Then, she knocked on the front door before taking a small step back to wait for the leader to answer the door.