Dawning of a Seer

Sanctuary

The woodland was barely visible in the mist that clung like a shroud. They were preparing to leave the Elder Tree when Marrok sensed something in the air. His nose twitched in the cold morning breeze as he stretched his neck upwards. The scent was faint but there all the same.

"Someone is approaching, I'm sure of it," he warned the Seer who was stood nearby leaning against his staff.

"Are you sure it is someone? You will have no defence against those from other realms," the Seer cautioned.

"I'm sure." Marrok nodded and alone he leapt forward into the woodland beyond.

His sight adjusted well to dim light, even at night, but the mist hampered his progress. Trees were blurry dark shadows as he tried to quicken his pace. Crows were cawing on the branches above and a flock loudly dispersed into the air leaves dropping to the ground in their wake. He slowed in the knowledge that a tracker of any sort would be alert to the disturbance and be on their guard.

The wind changed direction and the mist was subsiding. Marrok stopped in his tracks as he caught a scent he would never forget. He wanted to call out but was cautious there could be others and so he crept forward using the scrub and ferns that grew in clumps to mask his body. His heart raced as he got closer, preparing for whatever he might find and was relieved when he caught a glimpse of pink curls in the corner of his eye.

He stopped behind a large rock, covered in moss and yellow lichens, wearily peering around it to get a better view. From behind a screen of willow branches tangled with reddening ferns was Blossom. Luna and Rue followed closely behind. Waiting to ensure they were alone, he let them walk on, oblivious to his protective stare until it was clear there was no one following in their wake.

Walking out into their view Marrok called out. "Luna."

She smiled when she caught sight of him. "Marrok, I'm so glad to see you. I thought we were lost."

"You have no faith in yourself," scorned Rue, tutting under her breath.

Blossom ran to Marrok and flung her arms into the thick fur around his neck and squeezed him tight. "You're alive," cried Blossom. "I mean I knew you were alive, but seeing you makes it real."

"I know, Blossom. I know." Marrok tilted his head into her body returning the gesture.

They walked back through the clearing mist to the Elder Tree where the others were almost prepared for their return to the Great Oak. The Seer smiled broadly when he saw Rue but his expression quickly changed to one more sombre when she did not reciprocate. He looked to Luna, fearing Rue's mood. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"We need to keep moving," she replied. "We're not sure if Winter will come after us."

"What have you done?" His eyes narrowed and his stare grew stern.

"It was Rue, not me," Luna protested, raising her hands.

"Technically it was Malva," Blossom intervened.

Rue had found a filled waterskin hanging from a strap on the horse that the Seer and Baine had travelled with. It was enjoying a nose rub as Rue thirstily glugged. "Malva cannot be blamed for anything," commented Rue as she wiped her mouth dry. "She's lovely and wouldn't harm a cockroach, but she is a ditherer and healing was never her strong point. Probably the reason why she was picked for such a thing," she rambled furiously, as much to herself as to the others listening. The other nymphs had gathered now gathered outside, curious to what was going on.

The Seer's patience disappeared and he raised his voice, demanding an answer. "Tell me what happened." Even Rue stood still and paid attention.

"Don't raise your voice with me Rubus," Rue responded defiantly but she soon cooled and told him everything that had happened.