Altha and The End of a Fairy Tale

The Last Spark of Life

Altha scampered through the dense underbrush of the forest, her sharp claws digging into the soft soil. She had always felt at home in the woods, surrounded by the rustling of leaves and birds chirping. But today, there was none of that. Instead, a sense of unease filled the air. She heard a faint whispering sound as she made her way through the thicket. She stopped in her tracks, her sharp senses on full alert. The forest was becoming treacherous, and where wonder would have taken her in the past, now it stopped her in her tracks.

But the melody did not stop. If anything, it enticed her further, and despite her better judgement, Altha followed.

Through shadows and treetops, she reached an edge of a clearing where a great oak tree stood tall with its gnarled branches extending towards the sky like begging arms. A weak light flickered within its trunk, and the melody lulled with each flutter. Altha approached, albeit cautiously.

Her claws found purchase in the old bark, and when she climbed to a cavity and peeked inside, she could hardly believe her beady black eyes.

A fairy lay upon the smoothed wood with wings so tattered and torn they could no longer carry her. The sound Altha heard were the fairy's shivering breaths. Altha had never seen a fairy before, but she knew they were a rare and magical sight.

The fairy beckoned to Altha and whispered her name. "Little one, I am the last fairy in this forest, and I need your help."

Altha was surprised - why had the fairy chosen her? She was just a tiny squirrel, after all. The fairy sensed her confusion and, with the last drops of strength, explained that the forest was in great danger. For years, dark forces had been corrupting the land, turning it into a twisted and malevolent place, driving all the animals out or changing them into something far worse than they were. And now, those that hadn't fallen to the forces yet were in great danger of being consumed by the darkness for its final consuming push.

"I have chosen you, Altha," the fairy said, "because you possess a unique gift. You can move through the shadows undetected, and your knowledge of the nooks and crannies of these woods will aid you in the battles to come."

Altha felt a sense of pride but hesitation also as the fairy explained the task that lay before her, for she had heard once that fairy's quests were never simple or easy and were always beset by mortal dangers.

She was to journey through the forest, seeking out others who might be able to help in the fight against the darkness. She was to find the lost treasures of the forest and magical items that could be used to restore balance to the land.

And most importantly, she was to never give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The fate of the forest rested on her tiny shoulders.