Tree Maiden

II

Written in 2016
UNEDITED

Ian's POV

The morning sun was soft, not yet strong enough to break through the shade the ancient trees provided. Color and light were gentle, reflexed in the dew that had collected on the leaves from last night's heavy mist. I breath in the earthy smell of dirt and leaves and instantly feel at home. I become alive when I'm the forest. All the troubles and question that plague me in the outside world dissolve the moment I step in to the woodland.

I follow a small stream further into the woods. As soon as I am out of site, hidden by the greenery, I break out into a run following the white flash that wasu Sharis's tail. I'm supposed to be doing the chores, pick herbs for medician and seasoning along with check the borders of the forest. But there will tole for that later. I smirk as I throw a backward glance over my shoulder and peered at the worn sack the bounce with my every step. The first time I had entered the forest was when I was still a child and back then the trees had seemed alive. Shadows would move on their own or suddenly change shape. Gwenda assured me that it was just a trick of the light and my over active imagination at work. Soon I too believed that I had just been seeing things. I stumble into a meadow. "This looks like a great spot." I smile. Spotting a rock I begin to walk towards it, avoiding the muddy areas as best I can. Squatting I remove the items in the bag. I spread out the large quilt I had "borrowed"  before sitting down to eat the bread, ham, and cheese that I had also borrowed. With out Gwenda's permission of course. A quick survey proved that Salir was no longer with me. I release an exasperated  sigh then inhale deeply. I am just about to call Salir when I hear barking. Quickly I shove the quilt and food pack in the bag.  So much for having a secret picnic. I emeadatly fond the path of destruction that Salir had made in her frantic chase. Following it I run toward the barking. At last I see Salir's white tail. As I draw closer I notice her hackles are raised and a snarl is fixed on her face. I am still unable too see what exactly sue had besn barking at but her posture makes me fear the worst. Panting heavly, having dashed the last stretch I approach the dog. I have my guard up and an read to flee if needed. Scanning the trees, I look for anything that might be hiding. The search turns up empty. I shake my head and roll my eyes at the dog. "What has gotten into you? You gone crazy or something? There's nothing the..." My ranting dies, the words dissolving as the breath is taken from me. There is something laying in the leaves under the roots of a dead tree. I blink confused, as I try to comprehend what it is I am seeing. Never in my whole life would I expect to find. It..It's a....A GIRL!