```
The cock announced the start of the new day in Nightborough, as soon as the sun scattered its first rays over the horizon, just like he always had. By the time that happened though, most of the village folk was already out of bed. The majority of them were shapeshifters, and to protect their village half of them were constantly on the lookout.

Shapeshifters weren't the most prominent creatures in this part of the land, so it was of the upmost importance they spotted potential enemies first, to be able to react. Their night patrol's took many forms, from the most inconspicuous insect on the ground, to the dogs that herd she sheep, and even some sheep themselves. Their nightguard was everywhere.

But still, what happened this day, no one could have seen coming. Just after the sun reached its highest point on the sky, one of patrol sounded the alarm. There was an enemy army approaching. Usually the village only had to deal with the occasional bandit, or sometimes a lost group of adventurers that tried to collect some bounty.

But no, this time they came in masses. The quick and slim catlike bodies of the intruders squeezed themselves through the narrow paths, through the trees of the forest to the west, and with quick paws they stormed over the fields, trampling every plant that was unlucky enough to grow in their way. They didn't even try to be sneaky, their sheer numbers gave them confidence.

In no time at all, the village was surrounded. Every path to flee was blocked, and their leader demanded to speak with the village elder. The villagers were hopeful, that they just wanted to ask for directions, but as soon as the village elder stepped forward, his head was impaled by an arrow. Their leader made their demands clear.

This village was now property of the Royal Guard of the Tabaxi faction, and each villager that was able to fight had to serve in their army under their Kings name. Everyone that couldn't, or resisted, would perish. Of course, the villagers didn't take kindly to the offer. They were shapeshifters after all, and some immediately took the offensive, turning themselves into giant creatures, ready to defend their loved ones.

But, the size of the army had proven to be too overwhelming. One after another, was slain. The fight didn't take long, yet the most skilled shapeshifters were able to wipe out half of the army's strength. But as soon as the resistance finally was broken, the army's leader change their terms. Surrender was no longer an option.

What followed was wrath. The tabaxi soldiers wanted retaliation for their fallen comrades. So they they started to execute the villagers, and burn down their houses. Women, Children, not even infants were spared. Everyone that watched, should know, they weren't the ones to be messed with. Only a couple of people were left alive.

Some, they let go to tell the tale. After all, the bloodbath they created would have been in vain if no one would know what they did. Some they enslaved. Shapeshifters may not be the most prominent of creatures in this part of land. But still, they brought in a good amount of coin. And one particular infant, they have taken for themselves.

She was mere days old, and her mother tried everything to protect her. Sadly, not even the love of a mother was enough to change the hearts of the intruders. They executed her on the spot, took her baby, and as soon as nothing more than the ashes of the village remained, the army left.

The baby would later be called Tyla. She had no real memory of her family, or her origin. She was too young for that after all. The royal leader decided to take her in, and train her to become the best assassin his army had ever seen. While only a couple of eyes had seen her true form. The majority only knew her in the tabaxi form, she had intuitively taken after she was captured.

Her training was hard, but she quickly turned into the type of weapon her capturers, she calls family, always wanted to have.
```

Written by: Lordtylus