HOME | DD

Description
[Word count: 548]

The forest was always something that Aneira was weary of. The large, talon-like branches of the dead trees seemed to always grasp at the moon and any source of light that could guide someone through the thick undergrowth. The deep grasses and waters of running rivers at night would hold untold threats, be it other kits, adults, or… something else. It wasn’t the dark that she feared, not at all… it was what could be hiding within, the creature’s silhouette lost by the patterns of leaves and shadows distorting its shape to an unrecognizable level, leaving the poor victim it would track none the wiser until it was too late.

In lieu of this knowledge, she always hesitated, and disliked being alone in the wooded areas at night, for whatever purpose she had crossing them. If there was an alternative route to pass which didn’t lead her to crossing them, she’d happily avoid those areas of the domain. …Tonight however, she had to cross to get the costume materials she wanted to obtain, glowing plants already rather hard to find to create the paint that carried over their bioluminescent qualities. Her path occasionally lit by an occasional fire nettle, the white and blue colors of the flower standing out in the abyssal darkness, Aneira’s fur bristled as she stepped on a few stray leaves, the crunch beneath her paws sounding oh so loud. …If there was something around her, it definitely knew where she was at this point.

As if mocking her, a cold wind rustled the leaves of the nearby bushes, creating a haunting rattle. The leaves rung out as if something was working its way through, and the light of the nettles seemed dimmer. Aneira squinted into the dark, ears perked in alarm as she tried to find any form or shape of what could be stalking her… and squeaked as a large tree groaned in discomfort, the wood breaking partially until it fell on the soil beneath with a heavy crash. ‘Something big is coming… and fast!’ This thought filled Aneira’s mind with panic, her eyes widening as the magic in her Phylakardia coiled and distorted in fear. Quickly, she turned around, starting to flee from the dark clutches of the forest and the safety of the path she’d been on. Branches scratching lightly at her, she ignored the sting as she got through the rest of the forest, somehow… ending up in one of the many Boroughs that littered the land.

“...I made it through…?” The small blue kit blinked her misty eyes, trying to clear them of tears that were remaining in her eyes. Sniffling slightly, she felt her confidence return and bravery harden. …A few voices of nearby adults echoed from the Borough, and she headed into town to go and buy the plants that were only sold in this area. …She should be fine to go home now. The bushes rustled one last time, causing her to pause and go stiff, turning to see what could possibly be following her now, right into the domain of other folks… a small Nudibark’s head popped out of the bush, it’s chirped call coming through as it’s beady eyes stared at her with it’s goofy smile. …Was that all she’d been scared of tonight?

Monthly Prompt:
LORE PROMPT - Night Is Dark And Full Of Terrors

Acorn Count: 7/23

Tracker: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

Description
[Word count: 548]

The forest was always something that Aneira was weary of. The large, talon-like branches of the dead trees seemed to always grasp at the moon and any source of light that could guide someone through the thick undergrowth. The deep grasses and waters of running rivers at night would hold untold threats, be it other kits, adults, or… something else. It wasn’t the dark that she feared, not at all… it was what could be hiding within, the creature’s silhouette lost by the patterns of leaves and shadows distorting its shape to an unrecognizable level, leaving the poor victim it would track none the wiser until it was too late.

In lieu of this knowledge, she always hesitated, and disliked being alone in the wooded areas at night, for whatever purpose she had crossing them. If there was an alternative route to pass which didn’t lead her to crossing them, she’d happily avoid those areas of the domain. …Tonight however, she had to cross to get the costume materials she wanted to obtain, glowing plants already rather hard to find to create the paint that carried over their bioluminescent qualities. Her path occasionally lit by an occasional fire nettle, the white and blue colors of the flower standing out in the abyssal darkness, Aneira’s fur bristled as she stepped on a few stray leaves, the crunch beneath her paws sounding oh so loud. …If there was something around her, it definitely knew where she was at this point.

As if mocking her, a cold wind rustled the leaves of the nearby bushes, creating a haunting rattle. The leaves rung out as if something was working its way through, and the light of the nettles seemed dimmer. Aneira squinted into the dark, ears perked in alarm as she tried to find any form or shape of what could be stalking her… and squeaked as a large tree groaned in discomfort, the wood breaking partially until it fell on the soil beneath with a heavy crash. ‘Something big is coming… and fast!’ This thought filled Aneira’s mind with panic, her eyes widening as the magic in her Phylakardia coiled and distorted in fear. Quickly, she turned around, starting to flee from the dark clutches of the forest and the safety of the path she’d been on. Branches scratching lightly at her, she ignored the sting as she got through the rest of the forest, somehow… ending up in one of the many Boroughs that littered the land.

“...I made it through…?” The small blue kit blinked her misty eyes, trying to clear them of tears that were remaining in her eyes. Sniffling slightly, she felt her confidence return and bravery harden. …A few voices of nearby adults echoed from the Borough, and she headed into town to go and buy the plants that were only sold in this area. …She should be fine to go home now. The bushes rustled one last time, causing her to pause and go stiff, turning to see what could possibly be following her now, right into the domain of other folks… a small Nudibark’s head popped out of the bush, it’s chirped call coming through as it’s beady eyes stared at her with it’s goofy smile. …Was that all she’d been scared of tonight?

Monthly Prompt:
LORE PROMPT - Night Is Dark And Full Of Terrors

Acorn Count: 7/23

Tracker: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…