Gabal

Chapter 2

A sharp howl jolted the little woman out of a fitful sleep, causing her to come tumbling down from her place against the circle window. She righted herself with a groan, a bit peeved at the noisy animal. As she settled herself back amongst her blankets, another howl rose from the dark. In an instant, she was wide awake. That howl had been far too close to come from anywhere but her garden.

At a sprint, she leaped over the loft railing and landed easily on the cabin floor, not bothering with clothes or shoes, her knee-length, honey hair cast a trail in her wake, twirling like a dancer's ribbon. She erupted from the doorway and vaulted down the stairs, unimpeded by hesitation, until her bare feet met with the grass. As soon as they did, she was met with a cacophony of anguished cries. Beasts with ill intentions had invaded her garden, and when they were led astray by her loyal cork path, they had tried to tear their way out. Her will forked out, sapping her vast well of energy, flowing through the network of roots that sustained the life of her precious home.

The little woman willed away the pain of her companions, giving them what they needed to heal, allowing those closest to the wretched animals to take a little more. At her command, her faithful garden flung the interlopers onto her awaiting lawn. The mass furry limbs and tangled snarls were greeted by a burst of thick vines, surging from the earth to trap the mangy mutts. The sound of startled exclamations soon replaced the vicious growls, sending a righteous satisfaction directly to her chest. She stood, feet apart, hands-on-hips, chin up, shoulders back, waiting for the animals before her to calm so she could address them.

It was not a short wait, for when they noticed her, standing there with her hair shining like gold in the light of the moon, the pale length of her legs glowing from the same, her sleep shirt billowing in the cool night breeze, they became even louder. Guttural roars tore from their throats, struggles intensified. The little woman let out an impatient huff, knowing they would not be released unless and until she willed it, wishing they would recognize that fact, as well. Growing ever more impatient, the woman decided to grab a snack while she waited. Though her stomach was twisting with the anxiety of her four sudden, and very unwanted, house guests, she knew that the amount of energy she expended tonight would start to take a toll on her body soon. Her body would begin to burn its own resources to replenish the mana lost. She made her way up the steps and through the home quickly, fatigue creeping up like a summer storm.

Her wrists flicked the wooden shelves to life, willing them to toss down a few choice snacks, saved for just such an occasion. Two half-gallon glass jars of dehydrated fruits and nuts, accompanied by a gallon of whole milk from the icebox, and her very favorite pineapple teriyaki venison jerky. She left the house again, not bothering to close the door. She could already feel her energy waning, and she let out a small yawn, eager to dig into the food. The small table and matching chair that stood sentinel on one side of the deck followed her down the stairs, setting themselves up a good fifteen feet away from the sulking intruders. They watched as the woman laid out her treats. She hummed a quiet tune to herself and began with the dehydrated, honeyed cranberry cashews. The sweet, slightly sticky goodness went down easily and soothed some of her frazzled nerves. A happy sigh escaped her and she closed her eyes, leaning back easily in the chair, basking in the silvery light of the moon.

A frown formed on her face as a shadow was cast upon her prone visage. She let out a tired puff and slowly fluttered her eyes. Her breath chose that moment to flee her lungs, taking her good sense with it. Crouched over her was a ten-foot-tall, grizzled, warrior of a bearman. The beast peered down at her, meeting her vivid green eyes with his gold. A hand she hadn't seen move, was suddenly at her throat, not hurting, not choking, just getting a firm hold, his leathered thumb stroking a burning path up the column, forcing her to bare her neck. A feeling unlike any she had ever known was suddenly all she knew. It permeated every corner of her very soul. Pure light and energy seeped into her from the place he held, dissolving any trace of weariness or ache. Peace flowed through her mind, the feeling of absolute bliss intoxicated her. She fell limp in the chair, unable to even muster up an iota of self-preservation. She felt safer than she ever had, loving the feeling of being whole so much that she knew she could die happily this very instant.