Mystictale

The Dark Forrest

The Dark Forrest
((Aszia Up Above Chapter))

°Historia's Pov°

It was now nightfall, the grey clouds overlapping the crescent moon above the trees. I had reached the Dark Forrest hours ago and was now looking for someplace to rest for the night. It was eerily quiet, the only sound was the chirping of crickets by the river.

I looked around, though it didn't do much because it was pitch black. I was kind of worried, but not scared at all. Just concerned on what is out here.

As I wandered further and further in the thick wooded area, my sense of direction seemingly disappeared as I felt as if I was twisting and turning in a maze of green.

Then a sliver of light peeked behind several trees, making me sigh in relief. Thank God!

I hurried towards the light, pushing branches and leaves out of the way.

When I flicked away the last branch, I gasped in awe. It was a huge tree, it's leaves spread out and making a canopy over it so only the light coming from inside the tree was the only thing making my vision stay intact.

Oh yeah! There was also light coming from inside the tree, like it was hollowed out. Someone had to be here! I could smell a small fire burning from inside. Weird... Isn't wood flammable?

I shrugged and walked over to the gigantic tree. Pressing myself against the outside bark, I peeked inside, gaping at out intricately done the carving was. The doorway was carved out and had ancient writing along the sides and the front. I smoothed the surface with my finger softly... Beautiful.

"You may come in, child." A feminine and gentle voice spoke, making me scream in surprise before covering my mouth. I didn't mean to be so loud!

I calmed myself down a little as I stepped inside the tree, looking down at the floor apologetically. "I-I'm sorry for intruding! I didn't mean to trespass." I rubbed my arm sheepishly.

I heard a deep chuckle and I looked up in shock to see a beautiful creature. I've never seen such a thing. It was big, what looked like half lion and half eagle, it's large wings curling into it's side. It was a woman of course but not human... A hybrid perhaps?

"Oh no child, I'm okay with visitors.. Unless you are a threat... Are you a threat, my dear?" The lion hybrid looked up from the book she was holding with her gigantic talon. She also held a tea cup that was smoking and wore glasses that framed her face. I didn't know they make glasses that large before.. Strange. But interesting.

I shook my head immediately and without hesitantion. "No! No of course not!" I laughed nervously, feeling myself sweat and my fingers twitch.

The woman lion glanced over me and them smiled softly. "I'm glad. Please, take a seat." The lioness gestured to a stone slab propped neatly against a wall like a seat.

I hesitantly sat down and put my satchel on the stone beside me. I watched the lioness closely, trying to figure out what she really is. Then I decided to just ask. "So.. Do you mind me asking a question, Miss....." I trailed off, realizing I didn't know her name. Or if she even had one!

"My name is Aszia, Keeper of Wisdom and the keeper of all events." Aszia lifted her head, placing her tea cup down on it's saucer. I smiled and nodded, feeling oddly comfortable talking to Aszia.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Aszia. My name is Historia." I bowed my head in respect before lifting it to see Aszia smiling generously at me. I suppose I made a good first impression.

"You are different from the other human's I have hosted. Unlike you, these men were greedy, cruel and unbelievably rude. Anyway, back on topic, why have you come into my home? Is it guidance you seek? Sanctuary?"

I nodded without a word, afraid to actually say something offend her or the forrest. Then a thought popped into mind.

"Before I tell you why I came into the Dark Forrest, I want to ask-- not to be rude but... What are you?"

Aszia laughed loudly, slapping the ground with her talon and making the earth shake below me. Did I say something funny?

"Oh my gosh! That had made my night! Ha!" Aszia clears her throat and wipes one of her eyes with her talons. "Thank you for that. But to answer your question, I am a hybrid species between an eagle and a lioness called a Griffin." she sighed in content when I gaped at her in awe. She truly was beautiful and the name of her kind fit her suitingly.

"Wow..." as all I said as I slightly relaxed after the small earthquake ceased. Aszia nodded.

"Yes.. Most of your kind have told me that my species was very... Interesting. Interesting enough to skin me alive and use my skin as prophet." She growled suddenly, making me look at her intently. Humans... Do that? They would try to hurt such a majestic creature such as Aszia? How inhumane. How cruel. I wouldn't be surprised if my father were to do that.

"Um.. Aszia?" I asked softly. She stopped growling and tilted her head towards me, making a 'Hmm?' noise. "May I stay here? For the night? I am searching for a new place to take refugee... Terrasis was a place of torment and violence." I shyly spoke. Aszia stared at me for a long while, her eyes slightly narrowing. I didn't want to intrude but right now, I have nowhere to go. I'm an outcast.

Then I heard Aszia sigh in defeat. "That is fine, Historia. I suppose I need someone to keep me company.. And you said you were searching for shelter? This might be of assistance to you more than I." She shuffled through her book, before landing on a page and tearing it out.

Aszia handed it to me gracefully and I took hold of the paper. It was quite big for a map, but it would do for now. I glanced it over and smiled in thanks to Aszia. "Thank you--"

"Before you sleep, I will tell you this. If you wish for sanctuary, follow the river of peace. And let the river be your guide to safety. Goodnight, Historia the human." and with that, Aszia had shut her book and blew out the lit candle in the corner before curling up into a ball and falling asleep. I was left in the dark, taking the map and folding it until it fit into the small pouch of my satchel. Then I took out my coat and laid it over me before drifting off into a dull sleep.