The Land: Anarchy

Chapter 9: The Lost Forest

Arya and Zuno were just outside a forest, there were posts and signs before the entrance.

"Beware of creatures." Zuno read one of the signs.

"The Lost Forest ahead, be aware of your suroundings." Arya read another.

"Have you ever been here?" Zuno asked.

"No, never before,but I've heard stories about this." She replied.

"Are they good stories or bad stories? Cause, if they are bad, I ain't going." Zuno moaned.

"Don't worry, I've heard nothing but good stories about this place." Arya acclaimed.

"Ah, yes! Alright, lets go then!" Zuno cheered. "But why are there beware signs? Must've been the forest dwellers prank to keep out visitor from coming." He talked to himself.

The two went on venturing into the woods, the trees were colorful and thick, it was not only green, but yellow leaves as if the seasons were mixed together in the forest. There was a pathway, a pathway that leads to the end of the forest. Yes there were creatures, but mere harmful ones. Butterflies other bugs were seen flying. Monkeys were seen jumping from tree to tree. Deers were huddling by a river. It was beautiful.

"Magnificent." Zuno was astonished.

"Magnificent indeed." Arya was as well.

They took their time walking through the forest for they were awed by the beauty. At least in the forest, they felt peace. Peace that they haven't felt in years. They approached of what appears to be a small village. It was empty and abandoned. They entered one of the houses, it was engulfed by the forest, moss and roots from trees could be seen everywhere around the house.

"What happened here?" Arya questioned.

"They left this place long ago. Must've been around the time when the war started." Zuno thought.

"Why would they leave? Were they abducted by the kingdoms? Darn the bloody war." Arya cursed

"We should move on." He suggested.

They both continued walking through the forest. The winds were strong, the trees sound like they're singing. Zuno stopped.
He could sense something. He held the hilt of his sword.

"There's something nearby." Zuno warned.

"What is it? The shadows again? In broad daylight?" Arya questioned.

"No, something else, a beast. Watching us." Zuno answered.

Movement can be heard from the bushes on their right. Arya took out her bow and aimed the arrow towards the sound. It was a Felione, a lion-like creature.

"A Felione." He whispered. He released his grip from his sword and took out his musket instead.

"Greetings traveler." A sound came from the bushes.

"I--It can talk?" Arya stuttered.

"Ehm, Greetings?" Zuno replied in confusion.

The Felione came out the bushes. It has a face of a lion, thick orange hair covering all part of his body, he was standing up straight, had buckle with a sword on his right and a dagger on his left. "I mean no harm, My name is Zyx." He growled.

Zuno and Arya let down their guards. "I'm Zuno and she's Arya." Zuno replied, still confused. Arya waved her hand bashfully.

"You must have never seen a Felione before. Typical." Zyx said.

"Why were you watching us? Do you want to eat us? Or ki--" before Arya could finish her sentence, Zyx replied, "I was curious, no man or woman had ever entered the lost forest. You know, because of the signs and posts on the entrance."