EMBER
It was my turn for watch, and I was pleased to see Seth, he was such a wonderful wolf. I reached up and scratched behind his ears and a low rumble came from his chest as he nudged my shoulder one last time before he padded away to lay next to his pup, Jade. I stood and stretched easing my stiff muscles. I went and sat with my back against a tree, watching the light filter through the trees, assessing the forest sounds for signs of intruders. It felt like we were never going to reach the mountain.
"If you would just allow me to scout ahead, we would know how long getting to the mountain would take, and if there are any threats." Fern grumble at me again. We had had this argument multiple times now, and she is being very difficult about it.
"We have no idea if Fae are friendly here, or if there are any Fae here. Just because there once was does not mean there are any here now. We have to be cautious Fern." I repeated my argument once again. She huffed at me, and I could feel her frustration radiating within me.
"How are we supposed to meet our mate here if there are not FAE!" She bellowed at me.
I sighed and kept quiet. I was so tired of this argument. I trusted Jade and Enzo, and I believe they are right to keep our presence hidden until we know more about this realm. I want to reach the mountain and get a lay of the land. I wanted to find others so we could see how different or similar this realm is. I felt like we were a bit stronger here. I scanned the forest again, and watched the small animals scurry across the forest floor, keeping a fair distance from our camp recognizing the predators that slept behind me.
"We could take a quick look, just climb a tree, no shifting, no wings, just a girl in a tree. The not knowing is driving me insane. Please give me this, I will stop nagging about scouting ahead." Fern pleaded with me. I was worn out, and I knew this was a compromise she was making to ease both of our concerns. I let out a small chuckle and rolled my eyes at the trees.
"Fine, you can climb a tree and take stock of what you can see, but then you will let go of scouting ahead, and you finish standing watch." I conceded to her. I relaxed my mind and allowed Fern to come to the forefront, as I relaxed and closed my eyes to rest more for the continued journey ahead.
FERN
Once Ember was asleep in the back of our mind, I scanned the entire area ensuring that our companions were sound asleep. I started searching for the appropriate tree. One that would provide me with enough height to accurately see over the canopy of this forest. The desire to stretch my wings was insurmountable, however, I understood why they were being so cautious.
Announcing our presences by flying above the canopy without knowing whom may be maintaining vigilance over the area is an error we could not afford to make. And with that nasty creature – vampire eluding Enzo out of all of us. There is no calculating where it retreated to. So, I conceded to no flying, but being grounded did not mean I could not be useful. I felt my majic stir once again. Since our arrival, our majic seems to have grown a life of its own. Manifesting itself when our emotions are heightened. I have hesitated to use any of my fire majic especially since we are in such a dense forest, but the more I hold it back, the more it seems to protest.
Bringing my thoughts back to my objective, I locate the correct tree for my ascension. Providing sturdy enough branches to lift myself upon and spaced evenly enough to maintain ease while climbing. Standing I remove the debris from our clothing and scan the area ensuring our movement has not caused our companions to awaken. Leaping to the first uncompromised branch was swift and silent. I fell the bark digging into my flesh, reminding me that we have become soft over the last few seasons.
In no time I came to the top of the tree, where the branches thinned and became too soft and tender to bear my weight yet still above the forests enormous canopy. It was a breathtaking view to be honest. The sun or Solara was beginning its final decent in the sky, causing golden hues to encompass the canopy top. Seeing our proximity to the mountain range was refreshing, showing we were gaining progress, and our journey would not last much longer. The peak of the mountain range we were encroaching on seemed to be the tallest one in a sprawling range. Just this single snowcapped peak visible for miles and miles.
From this angle I could see no signs of villages, cities, or towns, but I could see the vastness of this forest, larger than the Onyx Rainforest by four-fold. We were lucky this forest had not simply swallowed us whole. Judging by the shadow's lengths, and the slight thinning I could see of the trees the mountain range should take us no more than another day, maybe a day and a half. The mountain peak was jagged but from this distance I could still make out some potential caves, and safe areas for us to gather intel and make a plan. Wanting more information the thought of spreading my wings began to consume me, so I started to make my decent.
Landing on the forest floor softly I again scanned the area. Nothing. Nothing out of place, no lack of insect or fowl noises common to forest habitats. The tingling sensation that haunted us while those vampire – creatures were watching us long gone. How they had managed to not be sensed by any of us has left me baffled. And with one of them escaping, if it had survived its self-inflicted amputation, it could be part of a much larger group, it had spoken of a master. Our vigilance was not unwarranted. The group had discussed and debated all of this at lengths, and none have acquired any answers. I returned to my post on watch and looked over my sleeping companions. The day would soon be turningto night, and we would need to move from this location. Checking in on Ember she was sleeping soundly making a smile appear on my face.
Time seemed to be standing still as I sat and scanned the forest when suddenly I hear whimpering. I scan the forest attempting to locate the sound, when I hear it again, twisting and turning on her bed roll Jade is covered in sweat. It is clear she is having a dream, and her dreams have been helpful in the past, but they have taken a serious toll on Jade. I go to move towards her to wake and comfort her, I know that is what Ember would do, she shot up from the ground, eyes wild and scanning the area, looking for something she would not find in this forest. He eyes land on me with recognition flashing in them. Her breathing begins to level out.
"That is the first time you have dreamed here? Was it the same one?" I inquire.
"When everyone is awake." She replied as she shook her head. I nodded and looked back towards the forest. I heard her stand and stretch. Understanding sleep would not find her again after the dream. She made her way to me informing me that she was going hunting.
Watching as Jade shimmered and shifted into Callisto was a fascinating experience. Her first shift after entering the forest was spectacular, the changes to her physical appearance were subtle yet prominent. Her muzzle was leaner, and she had this little white star on her chest. Still enormous by shifter standards, the black tips on her ears, and her tail, while her paws had what appeared to be black sock on them seemed to blend into her fire like fur seamlessly. Her eyes remain mesmerizing, with the addition of the golden ring she was a striking animal. Considering this is her home realm, this is what we have concluded as her true form.
My majic crackled again within me and I could feel like I was getting to a point I could no longer subdue it.
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Saving Star Fire
Manusia Serigala"The smell was so enticing; I could feel it float around me like a soft caress. It seemed to calm me and excite me all at the same time. It was now clear it was coming from the Forgotten Forest, but it was moving. Making me think it had to be a witc...
