Husband of the forest

Day 4

I have been plagued by dreams of this creature. The one that approached me in the dark. Everytime I close my eyes I see its glowing eyes upon me. The treeline calls to me even in the day now. Beneath its dark canopy I can always see something moving, just barely avoiding my gaze.

The townsfolk have been watching me, ever since that first day. The pay close attention now when I go for my "walks", And often they find me staring off into the treeline. It's not like I don't hear the whispers, "Cursed! Bewitch" they speak when they think i'm not listening. I must be careful lest their superstition turn to action.

In the night I contemplate though, I wonder If that creature had cursed me. My thoughts never far from that dark being. It haunts me like a ghost, always behind me or in the corner of my eyes. It beckons me back to that wood. I must lay my eyes upon it again.

This night I plot my Excursion. I would head back into that forest, confront this beast that left me to live.

That night I snuck out, Bringing some bread and jam in my satchel, as well as my journal and a piece of charcoal. I did not light my lantern till the edge of the forest, I did not want the other villagers to spot me leaving. I looked back upon the small village, wondering if this was the last time I would set my eyes upon it. Taking a deep breath to steady myself I pushed past the boundary once again.

I wandered through the trees, the forest was just as hostile as last time. Even the trees seeming to want to devour my soul, their branches gnarled and reaching out to grasp me. I felt much like a sheep walking among wolves.

I walked for some time, again finding myself completely lost, I knew it was near, I knew it watched me. Something moved in the distance and I held up my lantern to try and get a better view. But alas I it was gone before the light could touch it. Calling out into the dark, "Why did you spare me!!" my voice echoing among the trees.

Only Silence replied, and I was both relieved and disheartened. I sat upon a stump, placing my face into both of my hands. I question my sanity there in the dark, wondering If it was just a dream. But how could something so.. intense be just a dream?

After a moment of contemplation, I came to a conclusion. reaching for my lantern, I slowly shut off the oil, letting the flame burn low.. and slowly die out. Watching its last moments like a dying breath, before I was completely shrouded in darkness. A mad look on my face.

It was only in this dark silence I was able to hear what I could not before. It was as if the lantern had muffled the noises of the night, and only after I gave myself to the darkness entirely was I able to become aware. It was so very subtle, I chuckled to myself for missing it earlier. The simple melody of something breathing. The creature had been here this whole time, following me through the forest not even an arms width away.

I stood, still giggling to myself my eyes adjusting to the darkness. Slowly my head turned, body following. Sure enough, there it was. the same crimson eyes that had seared themselves into his mind now staring down at him. The silhouette of something much taller than myself standing just a few feet in front of me now.

I could not tear my gaze from its eyes, about 2 heads taller than mine looking down. I wished to understand this creature, push beyond the fear that racked my body and pull back the veil. There was something very.. alluring to them if not terrifying. The uncertainty of what was to happen next was daunting enough.

We stand apart for a few moments, like the silence before a coming storm. Despite my terror, I made the first move. Shakily raising my hand and and reaching out to touch it. I'm not sure why In this frightened state, that I did this. But what happened next caught me off guard.

I realized now that this creature hid behind a cloak. pulling it aside to reveal a large fur covered claw, several feathers entangled into its dark coat. It reached out, taking my small hand in its grasp.

We walked like this for hours.. I watched is large gait and tail sway back and forth while we continued. We reached the forest edge, and I began to recognize the surrounding area. the creature had guided me back to my village, gently pulling me till I found myself across the forest barrier.

It stared at me with crimson eyes for a moment, I held my breath feeling its heavy gaze over my body. It then turned and lumbered off back into the forest, apart of me wanted to reach out and grasp it. But I thought better.. fearful I would be spirited away into its world.

Still dazed I sauntered back into my home, falling hard against the pillow but unable to sleep. my thoughts stirring my mind with questions. What had just happened to me?