Into the Darkness

Chapter 2

Warm sunlight filtered into the woods in bright patches, illuminating the invisible path that I wandered along. Spring had left its touch in the woods in the form of brightly colored wild flowers, vibrant red fruit that was a stark contrast from the deep green of the wild raspberry bushes, and the glimpses of the baby animals that wandered throughout the woods. The sweet songs of birds provided a quiet symphony, perfect for the magnificence that was the woods.

I was at peace. I was content. Where some would fear the woods and all that it harbored, I felt safe in its green embrace. I could hide from the outside world here and never be found. The responsibilities of home didn't follow me here.

After a few minutes of walking, I came upon my favorite place. A giant oak tree stood tall and strong among the saplings, as if it were a parent watching over its children silently. The trunk at the base was smooth from generations of elk rubbing their horns against the nonexistent bark. The branched hung low enough that I could hoist myself up and climb towards the canopy.

Towards the middle of the great tree, there were two larges that had woven together many years ago. The space between made the perfect place to lay, cradled between the two branches. There was no need to worry about falling, allowing me to let my guard down completely and relax within the trees hold.

"Hello, old friend." I spoke. Many would think me strange for speaking to a tree, but no one was here to judge my actions. This tree knew all of my secrets and was very good at keeping them.

As if answering, the leaves rustled in the slight breeze above the canopy. Giggling I began my ascent. It was moments like these that I cherished the fact that I preferred riding pants to the restrictive dresses that most of the village women wore. Joana hated the fact that I wore pants, complaining that I would never find a suitable husband without owning some womanly manners. I proceeded to tell him that I had many womanly habits, he was just too nitpicky.

Every time I climbed this tree it became easier and easier, my feet picking the familiar path towards my nest as I lovingly called it. In minutes I was comfortably settled onto my branches, taking in the warmth that the patches of sunlight offered.

"Joana and I argued again today." I told my tree. "He didn't want me to leave the cottage. He never gave me a reason why though. I think he wants me to be like the other girls in the village. I don't think I could be if I wanted to. They're insufferable."

I got no response, but I did not expect one. That was something I cherished about my great oak. I was able to think clearly without someone pushing suggestions or orders, clouding my judgement. I was allowed to think freely, something not many women were giving the luxury of.

I leaned against the trunk and closed my eyes. Just a quick rest and then I would go back to the cottage. The birds songs acted as a lullaby and unintentionally, I fell asleep. And I dreamed.

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It was nighttime in the woods. I knew that I should've been afraid, but I felt adventurous, powerful. Rather than sunlight, moonbeams danced along the ground. The animals of the day had gone to their nests with their young, sleeping peacefully knowing that they were safe from the animals of the night. The howl of wolves was the only sound. I felt strangely excited at their haunting voices.

A moment after their song began, my body moved. I climbed down from my perch and began to run towards the sound, desperately wanting to be where they were, to be with them. Soon I broke out into a clearing and there I saw them. Their brilliant eyes closed as their snouts were turned up to the moon. Reds, browns, blacks, and silvers meshed together, giving each its own distinct coloring.