Love of a Deity

First Impressions

George Pov:

 I was continuing to make my way to the center of the forest, I really needed a drink. I know I was probably just hearing things but I swear I heard someone following me. It doesn't matter, I have to go home after this anyway. It's approaching nightfall, and when the sun is down, the monsters will come out to feast on any one dumb or unfortunate enough to be around. The thought already had me walking faster.

Soon I heard the hushed sound of running water, I had made it. I look to see a clearing and in the middle is the crystal spring. In the beautiful spring are white and blue crystals sprouting from the side of the spring, along with its crystal clear water. It was always breathtaking to see. I let out a sigh of relief as I walked up to the spring and kneeled down. I scoop some of the freshwater into my hands and drink, it's amazing how refreshing the water is.

Many say the spring itself has some kind of magic enchantment keeping the water pure, while others say it's just the frozen water from the mountains. If you ask me I wouldn't be shocked if there was an enchantment on the spring, I could see how people would be skeptical, but in my opinion it's the only way the water could be so pure.

 Suddenly I heard rustling behind me. I quickly got up into a defensive stance, brandishing my dagger. "Who's there! Show yourself!" I yelled, and you could imagine my surprise when someone did show themselves.

 From the red bushes emerged a truly intimidating figure. A very tall man around 6'11ft, he had blond hair, a white mast with a black 'X' carved into it that covered the upper half of his face, and a hanging earring with some kind of eye at the end. He had a truly magnificent looking cloak, the cloak itself was white lined with gold, but it had green fabric on the shoulders which had gold lining along with tassels, and green fabric coming from under the left side of the cloak. The golden clasp holding the cloak was quite impressive. It had a green eye with a vertical slit pupil, and it had golden chains coming down and around his shoulders. Then the inside of the cloak that I could see looked like you were looking at a beautiful night sky. It was incredible, but not as incredible as his wings.

 I have only heard of one race that could have wings and that was the Assimars, but even then they are only temporary and I don't think they sprouted wings for show. The wings themselves were pure white and pristine, I couldn't help but wonder what they felt like. He must take good care of them.

Then I thought about what he was doing here, he looked like someone from the castle ward in Waterdeep, someone like that doesn't have time to go wandering in the forest. I tore my eyes away from his wings and looked back at his masked face.

None of that matters right now, all that matters is that this man was sneaking around behind me, and I don't want to take any chances, and after taking a good look at him, I think he could easily overpower me.

I can't look weak, or he might take advantage of the situation. I suddenly got really nervous, we were at the heart of The Crimson Forest, so we were miles away from the city. He could do whatever he wanted to me then leave me in the forest to be killed by the nocturnal monsters, leaving nothing behind.

My heart began to race, and I hoped with every fiber of my being that that was not what he was here to do. Maybe I should just run? No, I need to stand my ground, show him I'm not afraid, and that I am more than willing to defend myself.

I took a deep breath to calm myself, then I flaunted my dagger "What do you want?" I tried to sound as if I wasn't overcome by fear, and based on his reaction I must have done a very bad job of it. His lips curled up into a smile, "Oh come now, there's no need to get all worked up darling." I paused, darling?

His words are not doing him any favors, in fact they only made me more afraid. Then he started to step towards me, and I immediately backed up, raising my dagger in response "Don't come near me!" to my surprise as soon as the words left my mouth he indeed stopped.

For a moment he looked confused then I could almost see the moment when it clicked in his mind, and he lowered his head "I'm so sorry my dear, it seems my intentions were not entirely clear. I assure you I will not lay a finger on you." I loosen up, but only a little he could be lying. I speak up "Then why were you sneaking around the bushes behind me? You can't fault me for being wary can you?" the man keeps his head down "I can not, and I do apologize my dear. I only meant to warn you." I tilted my head "Warn me of what?".

The man lifted his head, and pointed to the sky, then I realized what he meant. "As you can see the sun is nearly set, and we both know what that means. I simply saw you all alone, and thought I should warn you of the time." I sighed, disappointed in myself for assuming the worst of this man who was simply trying to help me, "I... I'm sorry, it was wrong of me to assume you were here too... you know." the man tilted his head "Don't apologize my dear. This was all my fault, I should have been clearer with my intentions.".

There was a moment of silence between us, and I took that as a sign that I should get going. Something about this man was off, I couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe it was the mask... ya that's it...

The sun is going to be down before I make it back home. I look behind me, "Well I appreciate your help- um what is your name?" the man smiled and walked up to me "You may call me Dream darling.". I was a little taken aback over how much Dream towered over me, I gulped "Oh well hello Dream, my name is George.". Dream leaned down slightly "George what a wonderful name." I looked up, and gave him a nervous smile "Um, well I should get going back to Waterdeep." Dream tilts his head and smiles "Well you wouldn't mind if I accompanied you. I am also headed to Waterdeep, and I promise you it would be much safer if I were to come with you.".

He has a point, it would be much safer if we went together, and if we are going to the same place. Why would I say no, "Oh ya I don't mind, and you're right it would be much safer." I smile softly at him, as we both walk into the depths of The Crimson Forest.