Arcanus ❂ A Dream SMP Story

[3]

Cutting into the piece of meat, Tenebris took a small bite, making sure it was cooked. Satisfied, they began to eat. This was their first meal in the past 2 days, and needless to say, Tenebris was starving. They had kept the cow's name tag and put it in their bag, it felt wrong to them to leave it behind or burn it. A fire lit up a small cave that served as Tenebris's home for the time-being, a plain sleeping mat in the corner and a backpack containing a first aid kit, various weapons, and stolen potions. Tenebris didn't have many worldly possessions, only necessities. Eggo slept calmly, his slow breathing echoing within the cave. 

Tenebris finished their meal, feeling full and started to feel drowsy. The feeling of being feed was a rarity for their life on the run so when Tenebris had the chance to be blessed with a such a feeling, they tended to try and hold onto it for as long as they could. Tenbris stared into the fire, listening to the sounds outside the cave, the occasional wolf howling to the moon and the wind dancing around the tall trees of the nearby forest. Tenebris liked fire, it was warm and comforting but could still cause great harm. It reminded them of the careful balance of life, stray too far and it'll get cold and lonely. Get too close, and you'll get badly burned. They loved how it licked into the air, how it created a soft light, and the small crackling noises it made every now and then. Eyes drooping, Tenebris's head rested on the stone behind them, and they began to fall asleep leaning against the wall of the cave, staring at the fire.

CRACK!

Tenebris's eyes shot open and got up into a defensive position. They were currently in no shape to fight anyone, still half-asleep and heavy from a large meal. Tenebris had been in this same position too many times to count, whether it be a false alarm or a very real and violent encounter waiting to happen. It was practically instinct at this point. 

Waiting for over 30 seconds, they listened for any other sounds. Not hearing anything, they relaxed into a standing position and grabbed their black sword out of its leather sheath that was resting beside them. Taking a few quiet steps toward the entrance, they peeked out, looking around for any sign of life. 

Eyes scanning the black void of the night, nothing seemed to stick out, just the darkness and eerie silence of the night. Quietly letting out a pent-up breath, they sheathed their sword and got comfortable on their sleeping mat. Slipping into a deep sleep that was desperately needed, Tenebris felt at peace. 

❂❂❂

"Hm..." a dim silhouette emitted from the darkness of the forest, looking at the illuminated cave above him. Promptly turning around and retreating into the cover of the looming dark oaks, only the glint of a white mask shone in the moonlight.