Runic Shifter (On Hold)

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Song: Earth - Christopher Caouette
Image: Glade (not actual name, I don't own the image, I am just using it to show you how Xandyr's horse looks like)
Ziria Pov-

I ease through the trees, heading away from the darker part of the forest, where the beasts usually prowled. I hummed a softly tune while nearing walking out of the forest. I never left the forest, I had no reason to. There were berries, the occasional hare, even fish, and the beasts always left me be, other than the fact that they look at me with confusion, as if I wasn't supposed to be here. I tilt my head slightly, awe flickering in my gaze. A castle stood not to far, maybe a couple hundred yards or so.

I merely shake my head slightly. I was not going to investigate it, the trees would make there way over there sooner or later. They always seemed to grow within the night, faster than any other tree, and I usually had to clear out an area from their seeds in order for a proper night's rest. I turn, making my way back in to the depth of the forest, humming the soft tune once more. I had no clue why I had it stuck in my head, I heard it from afar one night when I was younger, a few merchants were camping the night on a worn down path near the edge of the dark forest.

Of course, they spotted me within and eyed me with this weary, almost frightened look. They probably assumed I was the keeper of the beasts, or maybe the daughter of one. Yet they still sang, never looking away from me in fear I would call the beasts out. Yet I never did, I didn't think that was possible. They sort of got used to my presence and they often came down the path whenever they could, sometimes offering me supplies, such as clothes, for which I wore on my back now. They still came, just not as often, probably having more villages to go to than the one they usually went to. I walked along the edge of the trees towards the path that they travelled upon, and I find them camping a mere yard away, huddling near the fire for warmth.

I tilt my head slightly, edging closer with a tilt of my head. "Speak of the devil." One man chuckles, waving at me. I offer a small smile, tilting my head as one man, his name was Keeran, pushed himself up and grabbed out a brown-gray cloak and gave it to me. I lower my head in thanks and he settles back down as they sang the tune I was humming mere moments ago. I tilt my head and a beast growls from behind me, making them fall silent, going pale with fright as I turn. I meet the beasts gaze with my own and it slowly turns back, growling lowly.

It was hungry, hoping for easy prey. "Thank you." Another man murmurs, his name was Averi, he had a wife and two children. I nod very slightly, settling against a tree, listening as they sang their songs until they went off to sleep. I stuck around, just in case the beast came back and dozed off where I was sitting.

I awoke to the men packing up. "Thanks for sticking around, kiddo." Keeran says, smiling. I nod, giving him a small smile and I watched as the headed off, waving back at me. I sigh softly, heading back into the forest, putting the cloak around my shoulders. I slipped through the underbrush and tilted my head, plucking a handful of berries to snack on while I wandered the forest, deep in thought. I hear a low rumbling growl that shook the trees and I spin around, startled. A beast, larger than any I have seen was crouched, glaring at me with a dark fury in his gaze, why didn't he turn away?

It lunges forward and I barely manage to get out of the way, making it crash into a tree, making it creak. I bolt, scattering the berries I had in my hand, going deeper and deeper into the forest. It follows me, almost right on my heels as I weave through trees, struggling to escape the creature. This wasn't supposed to happen, the creature should be ignoring me! I skid to a stop at the edge of a ravine and suck in a ragged gulp of air. I had no where to run.