028: If You Go Down to the Woods Today ... [Location: Taxon Forest]

[a_pretty_fire]

The heart of the forest that borders the fair kingdom of Taxonia is a dark and foreboding place. The trees - old, gnarled trees with branches that twist like fingers and snatch at clothing or skin - grow so closely together that very little light is able to filter through to the forest floor. If an unwary traveller strays too far from the path, it

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[goodluck_kobra]

Michael had forgotten about the time as he explored the forest and nighttime had fell to sudden for him to find his way back home. He had no light on him and had stumbled his way through the forest for what seemed like ages, but had never come across a spot he recognised. He was beginning to think that he should just look for shelter until the break of day, then he could surely find his way, when he came upon a clearing.

There's even a cottage there and the sweet smell of food. Michael's stomach grumbles as he realises how hungry he is. Slowly he approaches the house, still a little unsure, but like magic he's drawn to it and before he knows it he's knocking on the door.

[a_pretty_fire]

The door opened immediately, just in time to hear the loud rumble of Michael's stomach. A woman - she looked young, but her eyes held years and secrets that she didn't want to share - stood inside. Although her long white dress was spotless, the smell of baking that wafted from the kitchen and the iron range behind her suggested that she'd been cooking before he'd disturbed her.

"Hello."

She smiled.

"Did you come for supper?"

[goodluck_kobra]

"Oh, no," Michael shook his head because he wouldn't want to impose like that. Even though the smell was delicious and his stomach rumbled again. He blushed and pulled his shoulders up a little.

"I'm afraid I got lost and was hoping you could tell me how I can get back to the village?"

[a_pretty_fire]

She smiled at his denial - at his little rumbling tummy and his nervous chatter and his youth and his frailty - and it was a smile that held the universe inside it.

"It's a long walk back to the village," she murmured, her voice gentle and her eyelashes fluttering demurely. "Won't you rest a while first?"