A Lion's Heart (Hiatus)

Through The Endless Woods

Allegra had been navigating the vast, treacherous expanse of the Endless Woods for nearly a month and she was beginning to understand why it was named so. The forest stretched on indefinitely, an ever-changing maze of danger and mystery. Her days blurred together, filled with encounters that pushed her to the brink of her physical and mental limits. Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges, she pressed on, driven by a singular goal: finding her little sister, Agatha.

Each night, she set up camp in secluded spots, her senses heightened by the eerie sounds of the forest. The calls of strange creatures, the rustling of leaves in the dark, and the occasional distant roar kept her on edge. The forest was alive with threats, both seen and unseen. By day, the thick canopy allowed only slivers of sunlight to penetrate, casting long shadows that danced with the wind. It was easy to get lost in this place, where even the trees seemed to conspire against her, their twisted branches forming impenetrable barriers.

Allegra had encountered giants, witches, gnomes, fairies, reapers, a troll camp, elves, and even a dragon that soared overhead, its massive wings stirring the air with a chilling breeze. She had seen creatures and phenomena that defied logic and reason, each more fantastical and dangerous than the last. She often wondered how Agatha, if she were facing even a fraction of these challenges, could possibly survive. Agatha was strong, but she was still just a child. The thought of her little sister alone in this dangerous world filled Allegra with a deep, gnawing worry. She could only hope that the school was keeping Agatha safe, away from the myriad threats lurking in the woods.

The flora and fauna of the forest were equally treacherous. Allegra had encountered plants that tried to ensnare her, vines that lashed out like whips, and flowers that exuded poisonous gases. Each step was fraught with danger, every decision a matter of life and death. Yet, despite the peril, Allegra had not been entirely alone. She had made unexpected allies along the way, figures who had provided guidance, companionship, and aid.

There was the mysterious old hag, a seer who had crossed her path one night. With her final breaths, she had uttered a cryptic fortune that still echoed in Allegra's mind. The hag's death had been sudden, collapsing into Allegra's arms with a raspy last breath, leaving her to ponder the meaning of her words. Then there was the giant, an oafish creature with a surprisingly kind heart. He had saved her from a pack of wolves, his massive hands swatting them away like flies. Despite his simplicity, he had taught her valuable lessons about the woods and how to navigate them.

The most surprising encounter had been with a wise old witch. Allegra had approached the hidden hut with trepidation, memories of her mother's cautionary tales about witches lingering in her mind. But as soon as the witch laid eyes on Allegra, something shifted in her gaze, a flicker of recognition that she quickly concealed. She welcomed Allegra inside with a warmth that caught her off guard, offering tea and a seat by the fire. As they talked, the witch began to share her knowledge of potions and spells, explaining techniques that were extremely familiar to Allegra. When Allegra mentioned that her mother, Callis, had taught her much of what she knew, the witch paused. Her eyes narrowed slightly as if recalling a distant memory, but she said nothing, merely nodding as if Callis' name carried a weight of its own.

As Allegra spoke of her quest to find her sister in the School for Good and Evil, the witch listened intently. Then, without warning, she offered to help, setting Allegra a task that would test her skills and courage. She challenged her to retrieve a certain item from the elves, a task that required stealth and cunning, for being caught would spell disaster. The witch's instructions were clear but left much unsaid, leaving Allegra with a sense that this challenge was more than just a simple test—it was a step toward something larger, something the witch knew Allegra would need on her journey.