Lunar Bonds

The First Encounter

Nestled deep within the rugged wilderness of Canada, the town of Greenwood stood as a hidden gem, untouched by the crowds of tourists that frequented more well-known destinations. Greenwood was a place that time seemed to have forgotten, a secret kept by those fortunate enough to stumble upon it. Located in a pristine, untouched forest, the town was an oasis of solitude and serenity, surrounded by the majesty of nature. The dense forest enveloped Greenwood like a protective shield, its canopy of ancient trees stretching as far as the eye could see.

For those who called Greenwood home, the town provided everything they needed. There was a small market, a cozy inn with a tavern, a school, and a community centre where residents gathered for various activities. The streets were lined with charming houses, each with its own story to tell. The townspeople were friendly and knew each other by name, their lives entwined like the ivy that clung to the sturdy oak trees that adorned the town square.

It was a place where people lived in harmony with the wild, where modern conveniences and city life seemed distant memories. There was no need to leave Greenwood, for within its limits, one could find the essentials of life and a profound connection to the natural world.

Legend had it that a powerful wolf pack roamed the surrounding forest, serving as guardians of the town. They were a force that kept dangers at bay, protecting the people of Greenwood from whatever perils lurked beyond the tree line. Sometimes, if you watch carefully, you might catch the glimpse of a wolf standing in the shadows, shrouded in darkness. The townsfolk feared but revered the wolves, believing them to be the spirits of their ancestors, watching over their tranquil haven.

In the very heart of Greenwood, the Flores family resided in a charming cottage that seemed to have grown organically from the forest itself. The cottage was a rustic masterpiece, its exterior adorned with climbing vines and colourful wildflowers that thrived in the cool Canadian climate. The warm, earthy hues of the wooden walls blended seamlessly with the surrounding woods, making it nearly invisible to an outsider's eye. Willow Flores was a 17-year-old girl with an unrivalled passion for the woods. Her heart belonged to the forest that surrounded her home, and it was in these ancient woods that her soul found solace and inspiration. Willow had a remarkable gift for understanding the rhythms of nature, and she was known as the "Woodland Whisperer" among the townsfolk. Her family were well known for their love of the forest, and their lives revolved around it. Willow's mother, Eliza was a talented herbalist, her garden filled with a variety of medicinal plants, while her father Daniel was an accomplished woodworker who crafted the most exquisite furniture.

With auburn hair that mirrored the hues of autumn leaves and sparkling hazel eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the forest, Willow had an ethereal quality about her. She moved with grace and an air of calm, her every step harmonising with the rustling leaves and the soft calls of woodland creatures. Her daily attire consisted of earth-toned clothing, and she wore a leather bracelet adorned with a delicate wolf charm, a symbol of her deep respect for the protectors of Greenwood.

From a young age, Willow found she was drawn to the rustling leaves, the symphony of birdsong, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the towering trees. She would often slip away from the comforts of her home and wander deep into the forest, her heart filled with a sense of freedom and wonder.

One fine morning, as the sun cast a golden hue over Greenwood, Willow decided to embark on one of her solo adventures into the woods. With a backpack filled with sandwiches, a water bottle, and her notebook, she left her cottage, her parents bidding her farewell with smiles and a warm embrace. She felt a rush of excitement as she entered the forest, the scent of pine and earth filling her senses.

Willow followed a winding trail deeper into the woods, her path marked by the occasional squirrel scurrying away and the distant call of a songbird. The canopy above filtered the sunlight into an ethereal, dappled mosaic, which painted the forest floor with ever-shifting patterns of light and shadow.

As she wandered further into the heart of the forest, Willow spotted a beautiful, clear stream. It bubbled and sparkled, inviting her to sit beside it and listen to its soothing melody. She found a mossy rock to perch on, and she took out her notebook starting to sketch the scene before her. Her pencil glided over the paper, capturing the essence of the place with delicate strokes.

While engrossed in her drawing, she suddenly felt a presence nearby. Startled, Willow looked up from her sketch to see a magnificent creature standing a few yards away. It was a wolf, its fur a silvery grey, streaked with inky black, and eyes that shone like polished obsidian. The wolf's coat glistened in the dappled sunlight, and it moved with a graceful, otherworldly beauty.

Although scared, fear gave way to a sense of curiosity, and Willow watched the wolf in awe. It approached her slowly, its steps cautious yet not threatening. The forest itself seemed to hold its breath as this magical encounter unfolded. Mesmerized by the wolf's gaze, Willow felt a deep connection, as if she and the wolf were communicating on some primal level. The wolf's eyes conveyed a message of understand and acceptance, as though it recognized a kind spirit in the girl before it.

With a sense of trust that overran rational thought, Willow extended her hand, palm up towards the creature. The wolf looked hesitantly onwards but did not move closer. Willow lowered her hand slowly, a little disappointed, but smiling all the same at this encounter she could've never imagined.

For what seemed like hours, Willow and the mysterious wolf sat beside the stream, sharing their silent connection. It was a moment she would carry with her forever, etched into her heart and memory. As Willow picked up her pencil to sketch the magnificent beast, the wolf stood up and, with one last lingering look, gracefully disappeared into the depths of the forest, as if not wanting to be shared with others.

Willow watched the wolf's departure with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. She knew that this encounter was a gift from the forest, a reminder of the profound beauty and magic that lay hidden in the heart of nature. With a sigh of contentment, she packed her sketchbook and made her way back to her cottage, her heart filled with the enchantment of the woods and the memory of the mysterious wolf that had graced her life.

She did not think she would see the wolf again, mysterious as these creatures were known to be. She did not think that this encounter was just the beginning of a series of adventures, let alone hardships, that would change her life. For the better or for the worse, she did not know.