FOREST GIRL

1.

    Hello! My name is 'Maple'. I live with my parents (Mom - Dove and Dad - Colm), siblings (elder brother - Drake and younger sister - Ivy)  and my beloved pet brother (who is actually a wolf - Conall). We live in small village situated in the middle of the Misty Forest, near the bank of River Amber. We live in house built with wooden logs. There exists a giant old Maple tree at the centre of our village. People usually have get-togethers around the Maple tree, even children love to play around it, old people enjoy spending time chit chatting with each other in early evening around this tree. This tree has some enigmatic effect on the lives of villagers, not only them but even plants, animals and birds have the effect. It is not only the centre of our village but also the centre of the entire Misty Forest, so some call it the 'Heart of Misty'.
    Misty Forest is divided into two parts by River Amber which flows from North to South,  dividing the forest into West and East. We live on the Eastern bank of river. Here we are surrounded by beautiful trees and animals. It really feels like heaven for being the part of this beautiful Misty. And what about the Western part? No one knows what exists on the other part since no one dared to cross the river. Why? Because once upon a time few people crossed the river and they never returned. It is the ENIGMATIC part of Misty Forest.
    What about me? I am 12 years old girl. I was named 'Maple' because of the presence small tattoo like design of Maple leaf (🍁) on the upper right hand corner of my back. It is present since birth. This Maple leaf tattoo always gives me strength whenever I am at my  lowest. I think there is a strong connection between my Maple leaf tattoo and the Maple tree. I can sense the emotion of that tree whenever I am near it. It feels like tree is trying to talk to me. It wants to say something to me, and whenever I try to understand what's the feeling is all about there is heat, the energy arising in my body. It's painful so end giving up each time. But to my surprise there is energy stronger than this trying to connect me, I feel this energy coming from the other side of the river, the Western part of Misty Forest. Is there something mystical than this Giant Old Maple Tree?  What could it be? Should I pay a visit to that mystical part of Misty forest? Is there something that I am 'destined to' present in that other half?...

"Maple! Done with your day dreaming? " Colm chewed out.

"Yes daddy, I was about to get ready then I ended up getting lost myself into a thought...."

"Of going to that Enchanted part of forest?" growled Colm.

I was about to explain but,

"DADDY! We are already late for hunting." Drake called out from entrance door of our house.

"Get ready for hunting as fast as you can. Or else we would end up remaining hungry for the whole day. Come down with your bow and arrows already! We are waiting." cried Colm closing the door behind him and leaving me alone in my room.

I should be getting ready as quick as possible or else daddy's gonna eat me alive.

I dressed my self as huntress and left the room with my weapons - Bow and Arrows. As I went downstairs I saw dad and Drake waiting for me impatiently like hungry python. It only took couple of minutes for me to get ready yet they had expression like I took couple of hours to get ready! I really don't understand why do we ladies have to bear so much. I sighed as I continue walking over. To this Drake teasing raised his left eyebrow indicating "Is that my problem that you took so much time just to change clothes and bringing your weapon?" I sighed again. I called for Conall and we set out for hunting.