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Post by carasharr on Jul 24, 2023 6:09:02 GMT 10
Shadows move over the ground like creatures. Pillars of light appear and vanish in random places where the moon peaks through. The animals have already taken shelter. The whole forest seems to be taking in a deep breath.
A slight shimmer starts in a calm pool in the river below. A mist rises slowly from the water and makes it's way towards the bank. Once on land it hesitates, seeming to coil up. As the mist slowly fades, a white bear is left in the spot, nose in the air and fluffy ears on the forest behind. As if catching a whif of something , it spun around and bolted into the woods, looking over it's shoulder once.
The hidden hunter never drew his bow. He had been warned that he was only allowed to hunt scourge in this canyon, and never the wildlife that was so temptingly plentiful. This place is guarded by something . No one seems to be able to agree on exactly what IT is, but they all agree that if you break the rules in this place you will not leave it alive.
A bolt of lightning strikes alarmingly close, shaking the hunter out of his thoughts, as if to hurry him along. A thought struck with nearly as much force. What in the world would a massive bear like that, clearly with some kind of magic, be running from? |
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Post by carasharr on Jul 24, 2023 6:27:31 GMT 10
A soft breeze stirs the ancient cherry tree where she sleeps. Small creatures go about their daily routine of gathering food or nesting materials, scampering all around her, but careful not to wake her.
A distant flurry of bird calls disturbs her sleep, and one ear flicks in the direction of the disquiet. A stranger has entered the forest. In the blink of an eye she seems to melt into a mist, slipping into the shadows.
The traveler slowed his pace, not sure if he really wanted to take this path. It felt like the forest was watching him. Still, it would cut ten miles off the journey. Nothing looked wrong. Smells and sounds seemed normal for the time of year, and the island climate. Folks said it would be a safe short cut as long as he stuck to the path, so he took a deep breath and passed through the gate.
Curtains of dappled light seem to move with purpose in this strange forest. Fortunately the path is clear and smooth, following a deep, fast running stream. The grass is tall, lush and full of tiny blue wild flowers. Fruit trees grow within easy reach, as well as a variety of herbs and other plants for food or medicine. Clearings with flat rocks provide places to rest and prepare food.
This, in contrast to the absolute darkness of the shadows behind the shifting mists, made it clear what was on offer and what was not. |
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